In January, President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing the FEMA Review Council to determine whether the Federal Emergency Management Agency is equipped to address disasters across the United States.
Since then, Trump has made cuts to the agency. Earlier this month, the Associated Press reported that David Richardson, a former Marine Corps officer, was named acting administrator of FEMA just after Cameron Hamilton, who'd been leading the agency, was fired.
"There is obviously a lot to be figured out," said Brad Burness, emergency management coordinator for Galveston County.
Weather watchers already see signs of "near-average" storm activity for the Gulf of Mexico. A normal hurricane season produces 14 named systems in the Atlantic, based on data from 1991 to 2020. Seven of those named storms typically become hurricanes with at least 74 mph wind speeds. Three hurricanes on average become major hurricanes, reaching Category 3 status or higher, with wind speeds of at least 111 mph.
Galveston County is no stranger to preparing for storms but Burness said recovery efforts will likely fall more on the state's shoulders.
"We will be looking to them for guidance and we will be partnering with the state to ensure our citizens are recovering from any natural disaster," he said.
Jason Millsaps, executive director of the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, said his county is ready. Millsaps said Montgomery County is one of the few counties in the state with an emergency supply warehouse.
"As we approach hurricane season, our OEM logistics team begins to stockpile supplies and prepare supplies for rapid deployment," Millsaps said. "We are uniquely positioned to respond to any disaster."
Millsaps said his office will work with the state for any recovery needs.
"We are confident in our planning and coordination with the state, that any needs will be addressed timely," Millsaps said.
Officials with Harris County did not return calls for comment.
Gov. Greg Abbott, who, along with Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, was appointed by Trump to serve on the FEMA Review Council, said in an April news release that he would work to ensure the state gets the federal support it needs.
"As governor of Texas, I have seen firsthand the critical role emergency management plays to protect Texans and our communities when disaster strikes," Abbott said. "That is why Texas built the strongest emergency management operation in the nation, rooted in swift action, local control, and strong partnerships."
Abbott said the council will ensure FEMA becomes more responsive, efficient and supportive of state-led disaster efforts nationwide.
Kidd said collaboration with local, state, and federal partners is needed.
"I remain committed to seeking solutions that optimize FEMA's effectiveness for the American people," Kidd said in April. "Working together, we can synchronize the efforts of local, state, and federal partners to support Texans and all Americans."
In a preview of possible policy changes with FEMA, Richardson also said there would be more "cost-sharing with the states," the Associated Press reported.
"We're going to find out how to do things better, and we're going find out how to push things down to the states that should be done at the state level," Richardson said. "Also going to find out how we can do more cost sharing with the states."
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