Gov. Rick Perry announced a plan Friday to distribute the more than $3 million that has been donated to the Disaster Relief Fund to individuals and organizations in 22 Texas counties affected by Hurricane Rita.

“The generosity of dozens of individuals and companies allow us to extend a helping hand to Texans in need as a result of the devastation of Hurricane Rita,” Perry said.

“Traditional disaster recovery programs often cannot meet all the needs of individuals whose lives have been upended. The poor, the elderly and residents with disabilities – as well as minorities and rural residents – are most likely those who need additional help in getting back on their feet,” he said.

The grants will be awarded to counties based on the number of disaster assistance applications and may be used to cover needs not paid for by such traditional programs as those operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross, Perry said.

Counties must establish an Unmet Needs Committee or activate an existing donations management committee in order to be eligible for a share of the donations, Perry said.

Maximum awards are $1,250 to individuals, $1,900 to households of two people, $2,300 of households of three people and $2,750 to households of four or more.

Charitable organizations will receive variable amounts, Perry said.

Click Here For List Of Eligible Counties

Click Here For Grant Application