Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin has submitted official comments to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) opposing a proposed federal rule that county officials say could affect billions of dollars in grant funding that supports disaster recovery, public safety, public health, housing, transportation and other essential services.

According to Harris County, the county currently manages approximately $4.7 billion in federal grants that fund programs and projects throughout the region. Many of those funds are distributed directly to residents or through community organizations and other subrecipients.

The proposed rule, issued by the Office of Management and Budget, would revise federal grant administration requirements. In its comments, Harris County argues the proposal would allow federal agencies to terminate grants after they have been awarded, increase administrative requirements for local governments, delay projects and create uncertainty for budgeting and long-term planning.

County officials said the funding supports flood mitigation projects, public safety initiatives, housing programs, public health services, transportation projects and other community programs that residents rely on every day.

In its filing, Harris County also states that the proposed changes could create additional compliance requirements and increase financial uncertainty for local governments responsible for administering federally funded programs.

Kamin said the county's federally funded infrastructure, flood control and public health systems serve not only Harris County residents but also the broader Gulf Coast region.

The county submitted its official comments to the Office of Management and Budget on Monday as part of the federal public comment process.

The full comment letter submitted by Harris County is available here.