Washington, D.C. — On Jan. 18, Congressman Filemon Vela released details about resources and assistance available to the 11 counties in the 34th District of Texas affected by the drought.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency, through the Disaster Assistance Program, declared the following counties in drought: Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy, Kleberg, Kenedy, Jim Wells, Bee, Goliad, DeWitt, San Patricio and Gonzales.

The categories covered under the Disaster Assistance Program are crop loss, livestock loss and damaged farm property. More information about the program along with directions to request assistance are available at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/disasterfsaprograms.pdf.

“After visiting a number of communities in South Texas, I have seen the impacts of the drought firsthand, and I know how important this designation is for our state. In my position as a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I will work to expand and improve disaster relief and other programs that are critical to South Texas agriculture,” Vela said.

“During the past few years, the state of Texas has experienced serious drought conditions affecting farmers, ranchers and all Texans. This assistance will help them recover their losses during these tough economic times. I encourage anyone who thinks they may qualify for assistance to contact my office or the USDA directly.”