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2w ago

Central Texas Moves From Rescue to Rebuilding as Lawmakers Draft Flood-Prep Reforms

The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has begun distributing more than $100 million in Kerr County flood aid under a multistage recovery plan.

The remains of the Blue Oak RV Park where the parking spaces for the recreational vehicles can be seen near the banks of the Guadalupe River in Kerrville on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Of the 136 people confirmed killed by the flooding on July 4, at least 44 – or nearly one-third of the casualties – died in RV parks or campgrounds
An RV belonging to Thomas Rux, a resident of Riverside RV Park, that was swept away by flood waters in Ingram on Friday July 4, 2025. Rux was awoken by thunder and rain and then told to evacuate by the fire department late in the night, moments before his RV was swept away by the aggressive flood waters. Of the 136 people confirmed killed by the flooding on July 4, at least 44 – or nearly one-third of the casualties – died in RV parks or campgrounds.
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The exit of Blue Oak RV park in Ingram on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Of the 136 people confirmed killed by the flooding on July 4, at least 44 – or nearly one-third of the casualties – died in RV parks or campgrounds.

Overview

  • The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has approved over $12 million in short-term grants from its $100 million flood relief fund and is launching medium- and long-term programs for housing, mental health and business recovery.
  • Several other relief funds have raised tens of millions of dollars but are still finalizing application requirements and disbursement timelines, leaving many survivors awaiting aid.
  • Joint House and Senate select committee hearings this week spotlighted delayed CodeRed alerts, gaps in interagency coordination and leadership absences that hampered the July 4 flood response.
  • Legislators have filed bills to mandate annual camp flood disaster plans, license emergency management coordinators and fund upgrades to early warning and interoperability systems.
  • A special legislative session faces uncertainty as redistricting walkouts have stalled floor votes on flood preparedness measures with deadlines approaching.