A Decade of Missed Chances: Texas Fails to Secure $1M for Flood Warning System Near Camps

Unprecedented Flooding in Kerr County: A Missed Opportunity for a Warning System

The devastating flooding that struck Kerr County, Texas, over the Fourth of July weekend has sparked outrage and concern among residents and officials alike. This disaster, which resulted in the loss of more than 110 lives and left many others unaccounted for, has raised questions about the preparedness of local agencies and the critical need for a flood warning system that has been neglected for years.

The Need for a Flood Warning System

Over the past decade, local and state agencies have consistently overlooked opportunities to fund a much-needed flood warning system designed to protect the 50,000 residents of Kerr County and the thousands of campers and tourists who frequent the Guadalupe River. This region, often referred to as “flash-flood alley,” faced a dire need for enhanced safety measures, especially considering its vulnerability to severe weather.

The proposed flood warning system, which was estimated to cost around $1 million, would have included the installation of flood monitoring equipment at Camp Mystic. To put this figure in context, the cost of the project equates to approximately 1.5% of the county’s annual budget, or what the county spends on courthouse security every two years. In contrast, other nearby communities have successfully implemented their own flood warning systems, such as Comfort, which utilizes a three-minute long warning siren to alert residents of impending dangers.

A History of Missed Opportunities

The debate over the installation of a flood monitoring system reignited following a tragic flood in 2015 that claimed lives in Kerr County. This incident prompted some officials to advocate for the implementation of sirens, especially in light of a disastrous 1987 flood that resulted in the deaths of eight people on a church camp bus. Nevertheless, opposition soon arose, with some residents voicing concerns over the cost and the potential noise from repeated alarms.

In a bid for compromise, county commissioners proposed a warning system that would enhance flood monitoring through a series of sensors but would leave public notification to local authorities. This plan, however, lacked the necessary funding as Kerrville, the county’s largest city, opted out of a joint grant application that required a modest $50,000 contribution. The state’s emergency management agency also declined to support Kerr County’s requests for hazard mitigation funding, citing application deficiencies and prioritizing areas affected by Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

The Consequences of Inaction

Without a flood monitoring system in place, the county was left exposed when torrential rains hit on the early morning of July 4, causing the Guadalupe River to surge rapidly. Nicole Wilson, a local mother who successfully evacuated her daughters from a camp, has since launched an online petition urging Kerr County to install sirens. “There has to be more fight this time,” she stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the need for funding at all levels of government.

While local authorities and Texas Governor Greg Abbott have asked the public to refrain from assigning blame in the aftermath of the flooding, frustration is mounting. Glenn Andrew, a former city council member in Kerrville, expressed his reluctance to discuss the past, preferring to focus on future solutions. Conversely, city council member Raymond Howard characterized the lack of action by county officials as “mind-boggling,” highlighting that funding should have been prioritized over other expenses, especially when lives are at stake.

A New Hope for Funding

Kerr County’s efforts to secure funding for a flood warning system date back to 2016, when they applied for a grant through the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Unfortunately, the application was rejected due to failure to meet federal requirements, including the absence of a current hazard mitigation plan. After hiring consultants to strengthen their proposal for the next funding cycle in 2017, the county faced further setbacks as funding was allocated to areas affected by Hurricane Harvey, which did not include Kerr County.

In 2019, Texas voters approved a constitutional amendment establishing a state flood infrastructure fund, providing $800 million for such projects. The Upper Guadalupe River Authority revived the flood warning initiative last year, seeking $1 million in funding. However, the authority ultimately declined to pursue the available funding, deeming the terms unfavorable.

Moving Forward

As Kerr County grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophe, community members are calling for immediate action to prevent future tragedies. The recent floods have underscored the importance of investing in infrastructure that can save lives and ensure public safety. With the potential for state funding on the table, residents are hopeful that decisive steps will finally be taken to implement a reliable flood warning system, ensuring that no community faces the devastation of flooding without adequate warning and preparedness in the future.