KERR COUNTY, Texas — Kerr County is one step closer to adopting a new flood warning system after 119 people tragically lost their lives in the July 4th flooding. On Tuesday, commissioners discussed the progress that has been made so far and when they expect the system to be in place.
A team was formed on Aug. 25 to develop a flood warning system in Kerr County in the event of another flood in the future. Tom Moser is the one tasked with leading this group and getting the system up and running.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly has previously said this is something needed right now and needs to be in place before next summer.
Moser told commissioners the system needs to be fully automated so it can be reliable in letting people know that a flood is going to happen. In short, it needs to predict where the flood is going to be and how much people can expect.
“This is for a shot for the people that will be in, in and around Kerrville, should another flood occur, and it will another flood will occur. So we want to be able to have people be able to reach safety,” Moser said.
Moser has estimated the cost of the new system could be around $5 million dollars. Once they know what the requirements are for the new flood warning system is when they will purchase and implement it.
“Its going to give us a huge heads up in terms of our emergency response and for those people who live on the river better be watching this system for all the camps and parks and so forth,” Commissioner Richard Paces said.
Moser says they are ahead of schedule and expect to have a draft of requirements by the end of this month so they can have this system up hopefully by May of next year.