May a city request emergency assistance from or provide emergency assistance to another local government?

Texas law allows local government entities to provide emergency assistance to one another under mutual aid agreements or the Texas Statewide Mutual Aid System (the “system”). See Tex. Government Code §§418.107(c) and 791.027.  A city may provide emergency assistance to another local government, whether or not the local governments have previously agreed to contract to provide that kind of assistance if: (1) in the opinion of the presiding officer of the requesting local government, a state or civil emergency exists in the local government that requires assistance and the presiding officer requests the assistance; and (2) before the emergency assistance is provided, the governing body of the local government providing the assistance authorizes that local government to provide assistance by resolution or other official action. See Tex. Government Code §791.027(a). A “local government entity” is a county, incorporated city, independent school district, public junior college district, emergency services district, other special district, joint board, or other entity defined as a political subdivision under Texas law that maintains the capability to provide mutual aid.” Tex. Government Code §418.004(10).  “Mutual aid” refers to any activity related to the prevention or discovery of, response to, or recovery from a terrorist attack, a natural or manmade disaster, hostile military or paramilitary action, or extraordinary law enforcement emergency performed under the system or a written mutual aid agreement. See id. at§§418.004(11) and 421.001(3).  If a request for mutual assistance is made to a city, the city manager or the highest ranking officer of the city, with the approval and consent of the mayor or the mayor’s designee, may provide the requested assistance in accordance with the polices, ordinances, and procedures established by the city’s governing body.  See Tex. Government Code §418.115(b).

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1. May a city request emergency assistance from or provide emergency assistance to another local government?
2. What financial resources are available to cities to aid in the recovery process?