This week the Travis County Commissioners Court unanimously approved an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Hays County that will deliver flood risk mitigation strategies and solutions, while collaborating on effective and efficient projects that help protect residents.
Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt said, “We are committed to a regional partnership on flood control projects and risk mitigation solutions that are mutually beneficial to the residents of both Travis and Hays County.” “The comprehensive scope and collaborative nature of the agreement will bring together subject matter experts and elected officials from various disciplines and communities to strategically problem-solve,” said Josh Davies, the Travis County Executive of Emergency Services. “The secondary networks and relationships that will emerge from this planning effort will pay dividends for years to come while improving the safety and quality of life for those who live, work and transit through Travis and Hays County.”
In addition to this ILA, the Travis County Commissioners Court has approved three flood mitigation projects that will better assist in controlling flooding, including $500,000 for the design of the Arroyo Doble/Twin Creeks Drainage Retrofit, $2.6 M for the Thoroughbred Farms Drainage Retrofit and $2.5 M for a 14 home buyout on the creek side of Citation Avenue in Thoroughbred Farms. “Travis County is actively working to lessen the impact of floods to Travis County residents,” said Stacey Scheffel, Floodplain Administrator with Travis County’s Transportation and Natural Resources Department. “The ILA provides us with the foundation to collaborate on new and cooperative methods going forward.”
Travis County and Emergency Services District #11 will host a community forum in south-east Travis County on May 17, 2017 at 6:00 PM to discuss work that has been completed since the 2015 floods. Judge Eckhardt and representatives from the Office of Emergency Services, Fire Marshal, STAR Flight and Transportation and Natural Resources will discuss County preparedness, response and mitigation plans with the community. Additional information on the forum will be made available prior to the event.
