The Houston-Galveston Area Council on Wednesday, Sept. 24, hosted a check presentation event that marked a major investment in the region’s future resilience. Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., celebrated the approval of more than $188 million in grants for communities across the area.
The funds, provided through the Regional Mitigation Program (RMP) and Disaster Recovery Reallocation Program (DRRP), are administered by the Texas General Land Office (GLO). Both programs channel federal disaster recovery funding into locally identified priorities such as drainage improvements, flood protection, and other critical infrastructure projects.
Among the recipients was the City of Cleveland, which was awarded $1,498,300. The funding will support upgrades to Fire Station #1, the installation of new generators, and improvements to five sewer lift stations. Mayor Danny Lee was on hand for the check presentation.
City of Cleveland leaders say these improvements will help the city address aging and undersized generators at essential facilities—enhancing both resilience and emergency response capabilities for years to come.
Commissioner Buckingham praised the collaboration between state and local partners in securing the funding.
“These funds are a direct investment in the safety and resilience of our communities,” she said. “By working together with local leaders, the GLO is ensuring that taxpayer dollars go to projects that will make the greatest impact—protecting families, homes, and businesses from future disasters.”
While Cleveland’s award is significant, the broader funding commitment demonstrates the state’s continued efforts to strengthen infrastructure across the Houston-Galveston region. From drainage projects to emergency preparedness upgrades, the $188 million investment is expected to bolster protection against future storms and disasters, while giving local governments the resources to respond more effectively.