Building a Resilient Texas: $8.3M in New Mitigation Projects Announced

Texans across Jackson County and the cities of Edna, Ganado, La Ward, and Bastrop are poised to benefit from significant infrastructure upgrades after Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham announced the approval of more than $8.3 million in funding through the state’s Regional Mitigation Program.

Backed by Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, this latest investment by the Texas General Land Office (GLO) aims to fortify communities against the devastating impact of future natural disasters.

“The Texas General Land Office is proud to lead with action, ensuring that communities have the resources they need to weather future challenges with confidence,” said Commissioner Buckingham. “These funds are a powerful step toward improving infrastructure and securing a brighter future for several Texas communities. By putting local priorities first and delivering results, the GLO is proving that together we can build a Texas that stands resilient, united, and ready for tomorrow.”

The $8,345,000 allocation will go toward enhancing critical infrastructure in these areas—supporting upgrades to roads, drainage systems, sewer lines, and water detention facilities. These investments are designed not only to address current vulnerabilities but also to boost long-term resilience against extreme weather events, flooding, and other disaster risks.

This announcement is part of the broader GLO-led Regional Mitigation Program, which was established to support local governments with projects that reduce the risk and impact of disasters. The program’s funding structure was created with significant local input, as each Council of Government (COG) within the program’s eligible areas developed its own method of distribution through a transparent, public process. That emphasis on local needs ensures the dollars are spent on the most pressing vulnerabilities in each region.

In total, the GLO has allocated more than $1.1 billion in CDBG-MIT funds statewide, with at least half required to benefit low- to moderate-income Texans, in accordance with federal guidelines. The emphasis on equity and impact helps ensure that communities historically underserved in disaster recovery are prioritized in future-focused mitigation planning.

The newly approved projects continue the GLO’s commitment to building safer, more resilient communities while advancing local priorities. In the wake of increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters, such proactive steps are critical for the long-term sustainability of vulnerable regions across Texas.

The GLO encourages residents to stay informed about ongoing mitigation efforts and highlights the importance of partnerships between local and state leaders in preparing for tomorrow’s challenges—today.