CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - Today, Governor Abbott along with Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, visited Corpus Christi to announce the Governor's Commission to Rebuild Texas. The Commission, led by Chancellor Sharp, will oversee the response and relief efforts between state and local governments to ensure victims of Hurricane Harvey get everything they need as quickly as possible.

The Commission will provide a single point of contact and authority for overseeing the rebuilding of public infrastructure -- focusing on restoring roads, bridges, schools and government buildings in impacted communities. While there may be some overlap, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will have responsibility for assisting individuals with homes damaged or lost in the storm. This effort does not override or replace the excellent disaster management efforts currently underway through FEMA and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).

Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa offered the following remarks:

"Although the storm has passed, the long road to recovery is just beginning and we need a strong and collaborative team to rebuild our great state. Now is the critical time that our communities and families are in great need of resources, funding, and clear direction on how to begin rebuilding their lives.

I commend Governor Abbott for creating the Commission to work towards a quick recovery response for our devastated communities. Chancellor John Sharp was the perfect selection to lead this Commission and I thank him for his leadership in this challenging role."

In addition to today's visit to Corpus Christi, Governor Abbott and Chancellor Sharp will travel to regions impacted by Hurricane Harvey to meet with local officials regarding the needs of their communities. They will receive on-site briefings on the current response efforts and the ongoing recovery process. State agencies will also play a major role in coordinating with the Commission.

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