Kerr County officials approve agreement for flood warning system

Kerr County commissioners unanimously approved an agreement to move forward with a flood warning system during Monday’s regularly scheduled commissioners’ court meeting.  During the meeting, the commissioners approved entering into an interlocal  agreement with the Upper Guadalupe River Authority, with the goal of building flood warning systems along the river.

The county judge called for a vote, which passed unanimously, five to zero.  With that approval, commissioners moved forward with the agreement, which will use funding provided through Senate Bill 3 to get the project started.  The goal is to implement an outdoor flood warning system and explore possible future watershed protection measures.

Each of the 30 counties affected could receive up to one million dollars in grant funding to help pay for the project.  The system would begin by identifying flood-prone areas and developing best management practices for operating the alerts.  A backup system would also be required.

The first step will be hiring a local engineer and coordinating with the Upper Guadalupe River Authority to begin installing sirens along the river.  County leaders say the project has been in the works since last summer’s floods.

County officials say the goal this year is to have the north and south corridor sirens at area camps operational by May 1.  The total cost of the project could require an additional $1.25 million.  A special board meeting on the issue is expected January 16.