Congressman Dan Crenshaw Recognized by American Flood Coalition as a Federal Champion
As first Texas representative to join Coalition, Crenshaw reinforces early commitment to deliver solutions for flooding and recovery efforts.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: WASHINGTON, D.C., JULY 22, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Flood Coalition has announced that Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) has joined its nonpartisan alliance to address the growing threat of flooding and sea level rise. Congressman Crenshaw is the first federal champion to join the Coalition from Texas.
In 2017, Hurricane Harvey brought devastating flooding to Houston and Southeast Texas, causing $125 billion in damages. It was the second-costliest hurricane in American history. According to a report by the Harris County Flood Control District, over 60,000 residents were rescued across the county and at least 32,000 were forced to stay in temporary shelters during and after the storm. The flooding impacted all 22 of Houston metro’s major freeways, rendering roads impassable and jeopardizing critical community infrastructure. Beyond Harvey’s devastating effects, over 150,000 residential structures totaling an estimated $19 billion in assessed value are at risk of exposure to a 100-year riverine flood in Harris County.
“Almost two years ago, the Houston area was devastated by Hurricane Harvey. Our communities are still rebuilding and recovering. While there is plenty of work to be done, Houston has made progress,” said Congressman Crenshaw. “The unfortunate reality is that Houston will continue to flood. But we are the greatest and most innovative economy in the world and will rise to the challenge to combat the disastrous effects that accompany heavy rainfall. There isn’t a better community to find practical ways to fight flooding than Houston. I’m proud to partner with the American Flood Coalition as the first Texan to serve as a Federal Champion so that I can better advocate for the people of greater Houston and their recovery needs.”
Congressman Crenshaw is the 18th Member of Congress to join the American Flood Coalition, which now has membership in 13 states.
“In his first few months in office, Congressman Crenshaw has established himself as a leading voice on flood mitigation and recovery efforts, and we’re excited to welcome him as our first federal champion from Texas,” said Melissa Roberts, executive director of the American Flood Coalition. “Greater Houston has become all too familiar with the pain and devastation of flooding after experiencing a 500-year storm in three consecutive years. Congressman Crenshaw’s firsthand knowledge and experience with some of the communities hardest hit by flooding in recent years will only strengthen our efforts to deliver meaningful solutions to this critical issue.”
The American Flood Coalition is a nonpartisan group of cities, elected officials, military leaders, businesses, and civic groups that have come together to drive adaptation to the reality of higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding through national solutions that support flood-affected communities and protect our nation’s residents, economy, and military installations.
Cities, towns, elected officials, businesses, and local leaders wishing to join the American Flood Coalition or read more about the organization’s work can visit the Coalition’s website (www.floodcoalition.org) to find out more.
