Staff report

At the state of Texas’ request, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has extended the deadline for transitional housing for Hurricane Harvey victims from Tuesday until March 12.

The announcement was made Friday by Gov. Greg Abbott and FEMA.

The temporary housing program helps storm victims with temporary housing in hotels or other temporary housing locations.

“While many Texas families are still working to return home after this terrible storm, I will continue to work to ensure that they have a proper place to live during the rebuilding process,” Abbott said in an issued statement. “The state of Texas is committed to helping victims rebuild their lives, and we will continue our efforts until the recovery process is complete.”

The governor’s office said more than 10,000 Texas households were still using the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program Friday.

In Washington, a FEMA spokesman said program participants would be notified of the extension by phone, email or text.

FEMA said the agency would hold a mid-term eligibility review of the program on Feb. 20.

FEMA said it makes payments to participating hotels for rooms and taxes, including for pets.