Press Releases

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today announced Alan Kirchhoff of Austin has been promoted to director of the Texas Emerging Technology Fund (TETF). Kirchhoff replaces longtime Perry advisor and former TETF director Mark Ellison, who left the Governor’s Office to become associate vice chancellor of economic development for the Texas A&M University System beginning Oct. 1, 2008.

“Mark has been an indispensable asset to my office, and his leadership as director of the TETF has helped transform our state’s focus on commercialization of university research. He will be an incredible asset to Texas A&M as he continues to cast a vision for a brighter future for Texas,” Gov. Perry said. “Alan is an esteemed member of our team and has been a key part of the fund’s success, and I am confident he will continue to make Texas’ investment in commercialization and research the benchmark for the nation.”

Announces Gang Initiative, Asks Legislature to Continue Border Security Funding

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today accepted the Border Security Council’s report and asked the legislature to support continued border security funding to protect our state. Texas has taken unprecedented steps to secure its border with Mexico and is facing a growing threat: transnational gangs. They are infiltrating our communities and threatening the safety of our citizens.

“One of the most significant threats to our state’s security is the rise of ruthless and powerful transnational gangs,” said Gov. Perry. “Working with local law enforcement, we will bring unprecedented pressure to bear on the leadership structures of these gangs and grind them down – one tip at a time, one conspiracy conviction at a time, one gang at a time.”

Attends Groundbreaking for Baylor Cancer Center

DALLAS – Gov. Rick Perry today encouraged the continued support of research in cancer prevention and treatment at the groundbreaking of the Baylor Cancer Center.

“Baylor’s new facility will be an essential part of our statewide effort to eradicate this indiscriminate killer,” Gov. Perry said. “The brilliant ideas in cancer research developed at this center will move us closer to discovering a cure, bringing an end to cancer’s deadly role in our society.”

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has approved a $15.9 million National Emergency Grant (NEG), with $7,950,000 released initially, to fund 600 temporary jobs in 29 Texas counties impacted by Hurricane Ike.

“Thanks to our federal partners, this funding for temporary jobs will be invaluable to the Texans devastated in the wake of Hurricane Ike,” said Gov. Perry. “Through the Texas Workforce Commission, these funds will help hard working Texans continue to support their families as they begin rebuilding their homes and lives.”

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today joined U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Steve Preston and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Deputy Administrator Harvey Johnson to announce a rental assistance program for Texans displaced by Hurricane Ike. The program, created at Gov. Perry’s request, will help Texans find intermediate housing and provide temporary rental payments.

“Texans whose lives have been turned upside down by Hurricane Ike are not alone as they face the task of rebuilding,” said Gov. Perry. “I am thankful that our partners at HUD and FEMA have responded quickly and effectively to our request for assistance for Texans in need.”

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry today reiterated a request for temporary transitional housing for victims of Hurricane Ike in a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator David Paulison. The letter emphasized that all temporary transitional housing must meet acceptable formaldehyde standards set by state health officials.

"More than 1.2 million Texans were evacuated out of harm's way prior to Ike's landfall and I want to ensure that those Texans are not put back in harm's way in unsafe housing," said Gov. Perry. "Every day Texans are displaced is one day too long, but we must ensure that transitional housing is safe."

Perry: We Will Rebuild Together

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today unveiled a public service announcement to raise awareness and encourage donations to the Texas Disaster Relief Fund. Contributions to the fund are tax deductible and will be allocated to local governments and organizations to help those directly impacted by Hurricane Ike.

“I’m deeply proud of the generosity and selflessness Texans have displayed in this tough time and glad a fund is in place that will enable impacted communities to fully recover from the devastation Ike left behind,” said Gov. Perry. “Texans weathered Ike together; we will rebuild together.”

Power Restored to 1.46 Million; 75% Retail Fuel Stations Operational

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today encouraged displaced Texans to remain patient as the state continues to make progress restoring its communities and readying its neighborhoods for residents’ safe return home. To date, power has been restored to more than half of the customers who lost electricity during Hurricane Ike. Additionally, the fuel industry is reporting that more than 75 percent of retail stations have resumed operations and nearly 100 percent of terminals are operating.

“I urge Texans to stay where they are as local leaders work around the clock to bring necessary utilities back online,” said Gov. Perry. “We will continue to worth with our federal, local and private sector partners to ensure Texans impacted by Hurricane Ike can begin the process of rebuilding their lives and communities.”

Requests Emergency Presidential Disaster Declaration

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry tonight issued a disaster declaration and requested a presidential disaster declaration for Presidio County in response to floods threatening lives and homes the area. An excess release of water from reservoirs in northern Mexico following periods of heavy rain has caused a levee breach along the Rio Grande River threatening Presidio County.

"This situation poses an immediate danger to the residents of Presidio," said Gov. Perry. "The state is working with local officials to provide the necessary personnel and equipment to protect life and property in the area."

Urges Displaced Residents to Stay Put; Power Restored to More Than 1.3 Million

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today surveyed storm damage surrounding the Angleton and Livingston areas and visited with local officials, assuring them of the state’s continued support through the entire restoration process.

“The winds have died down, but the folks around here know better than anyone that we have a long road to recovery ahead of us,” said Gov. Perry. “I am confident that the state of Texas is equal to the task because I believe the leaders in our hardest hit communities have proven they are up to the challenges presented in this tough time.”