GLO Commissioner Announces Launch of $92 Million Mitigation-Reallocation Program
10/25/26 – Texas General Land Office (GLO) Commissioner Dawn Buckingham M.D. has announced the launch of a $92 million program to reallocate flood mitigation funding along with a call for projects in eligible Texas communities until November 18th.
A 10/20/26 GLO press release says that Buckingham launched a Mitigation Reallocation Program (MRP). The effort will help ensure $92 million in available funding reaches Texas communities that need dollars for flood-mitigation projects.
The funding can be used for mitigation needs such as flood and drainage improvements, water-system improvements, wastewater improvements, street improvements and permanently affixed emergency communications equipment. In short, anything that reduces the impacts of future hurricanes, storms and flooding. The deadline for applications: Nov. 18, 2026, at 5 p.m. (Central Time).
Beating the Federal Clock
“The GLO is setting a record pace in administering mitigation funds across several disasters,” said Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D. The mitigation funding comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
It is a one-time opportunity to accomplish resilience infrastructure priorities in Texas communities frequently impacted by disasters. However, these funds must be used expeditiously before the federal clock runs out.
“The MRP reinforces the GLO’s commitment to helping Texas communities prepare, withstand, and recover from disasters with stronger, more resilient systems in place,” said Buckingham.
The MRP utilizes de-obligated and un-utilized Community Development Block Grant funds for Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) from HUD. Currently, the GLO has identified $92 million in funding available for the MRP. That total may increase as GLO identifies additional funds.
Who is Eligible and Where?
Eligible entities include units of local government (cities and counties), Indian Tribes and special purpose districts in counties eligible for CDBG-MIT grants. Each may submit up to three (3) projects.
GLO will consider projects based on the criteria identified in the action plan. Projects must cost between $2.5 million and $10 million. Because of their emphasis on preventing future flooding, they do not need to a tie-back to a particular disaster, such as Hurricane Harvey.
Webinar Explains Application Process for Community Officials
The GLO hosted a webinar for community officials in eligible counties regarding the call for projects process including federal eligibility requirements, scoring criteria, and key deadlines. The webinar was recorded and is available on the MRP website.
From the date of contract execution, sub-recipients will have a maximum of three years to complete the project. Entities must carefully consider the timeline provided in their submission. Each project contract will have a specific timeline and milestones. They will vary based on the execution date and the project submission details.
No Deadline Extensions; Recapture of Funds Possible
The Mitigation Reallocation Program cannot allow extensions on these grants due to the federally imposed deadline for using the funds.
HUD has set deadlines for the expenditure and closeout of the CDBG-MIT grant. Failure to complete projects and finalize HUD’s closeout process will result in “HUD initiating the recapture process” said the GLO. That means any funds used towards incomplete projects must be repaid to HUD.
Due to the gravity of the deadlines, the GLO will only consider projects that can be completed in enough time to allow for the close-out process.
How Communities Can Apply
Eligible entities must submit projects through the Texas Integrated Grant Reporting (TIGR) system. Entities that require TIGR access will need to submit a TIGR access form by Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 5 p.m., to allow time for processing.
For more information or to submit projects, visit recovery.texas.gov/mrp. You can find the mitigation action plan scoring criteria at https://recovery.texas.gov/action-plans.
Rehak’s Take
I read this announcement (and its timing in the middle of an election) as a shot across the bow of Harris County. Said another way, it’s a warning to speed up so that Harris County CDBG-MIT funds don’t get recycled to another county.
According to a GLO spokesperson, other counties are eager to get their hands on this money and put it to work. One former Harris County insider suspected that Buckingham’s announcement “will be met with applause outside of Harris County.”
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/25/26
3344 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
