Fact Check: Did Biden and Obama try to give Kerr County funds for a flood warning system?
What We Know
Kerr County, Texas, has faced significant challenges in securing funding for a flood warning system despite the known risks of flooding in the area. Local officials have sought funding from various sources, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and state programs, but have repeatedly been denied. For instance, Kerr County's applications for funding were turned down by the Texas Division of Emergency Management in both 2017 and 2018 due to not meeting federal requirements and prioritization of funds for areas affected by Hurricane Harvey (NPR, New York Times).
In 2021, the Biden administration allocated $10.2 million to Kerr County through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which could potentially be used for flood prevention infrastructure, although the county opted to use these funds for other emergency communication projects (Houston Public Media, Latin Times).
There is no direct evidence that either President Biden or former President Obama specifically attempted to provide funds for a flood warning system in Kerr County. The funding that was made available under Biden's administration was part of a broader stimulus package aimed at COVID-19 recovery, rather than a targeted effort to address flood risks in Kerr County specifically.
Analysis
The claim that Biden and Obama tried to give Kerr County funds for a flood warning system is misleading. While it is true that Kerr County has struggled to secure funding for such a system, the context of the funding provided by the Biden administration does not directly correlate to an initiative specifically aimed at flood warning systems. The funds from ARPA were designed for various local needs, and Kerr County's decision to allocate them elsewhere indicates a lack of prioritization for flood warning systems at that time (AP News, Texas Tribune).
Moreover, the historical context shows that Kerr County's attempts to secure funding have been ongoing for several years, with applications being denied under both the Trump and Biden administrations. The Trump administration's actions, which included freezing certain FEMA funds, complicated the funding landscape for many communities, including Kerr County (NPR, New York Times).
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is strong, as they include reputable news organizations like NPR, The New York Times, and AP News, which provide well-researched reporting on the funding challenges faced by Kerr County. However, some sources, such as the Latin Times and International Business Times, may have a tendency to sensationalize or simplify complex issues, which can lead to misinterpretation of the facts.
Conclusion
Verdict: Unverified
The claim that Biden and Obama specifically tried to give Kerr County funds for a flood warning system is unverified. While funding has been made available under the Biden administration, it was not explicitly aimed at flood warning systems, and previous attempts to secure funding under both administrations have been unsuccessful. The complexity of funding processes and the decisions made by local officials further complicate the narrative.
Sources
- Kerr County struggled to fund a flood warning system. It's ...
- Kerr County Repeatedly Sought Help with Flood Risk. ...
- Texas couldn't find $1M for flood warning system near camps
- Why Kerr County balked on a new flood warning system
- Did fiscal conservatism block plans for a new flood warning ...
- Flooded Texas County Turned Down Funds for Warning ...
- Flooded Texas County Turned Down Funds for Warning System ...
- Some former Texas county officials thought informal phone ...
