County considers repairing flood equipment
Tuesday morning the Hays County Commissioners Court will decide on the authorization of repairs to damaged low water crossing monitoring equipment and low water crossing flasher stations across the county.
A flasher pole located at 50030 Windy Hill Road was damaged during a vehicular accident on May 27 when the vehicle struck the pole’s base, causing it to collapse. Additionally, five other early warning flood systems across the county sustained damage during floods in May, with estimated repairs totaling $14,138 for the stations and $3,894.13 for the flasher pole. A contracted vendor will complete the necessary repairs should the court authorize the Office of Emergency Services to repair the requested equipment.
Low water crossing flasher stations are used throughout Hays County to warn drivers of dangerous conditions, and according to the Texas Department of Transportation, flash flooding causes the highest number of weather-related deaths in Texas.
Along with a discussion on low water crossing repairs, the court will discuss and take possible action regarding a new early warning flood system on RM 150 at the Onion Creek double crossing.
On April 30, the court approved a resolution supporting a Multiple Use Agreement (MUA) between the Texas Department of Transportation and Hays County, which will allow for the installation and maintenance of early warning flood equipment at the Onion Creek double crossing. Should the court decide to take action, they may authorize the County Judge to approve the MUA between TxDOT and Hays County.
According to the resolution, “Hays County understands the need and necessity of providing up-to-date safely, traffic and flood-related information to citizens, public safety officials, and transportation officials.”
The Hays County Commissioners Court meets on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. on the third floor of the Hays County Courthouse, 111 San Antonio St.
