Travis County officials told Commissioners Court on July 29 that the county has moved from immediate emergency response into recovery operations after severe July storms and flooding, and that initial field assessments show substantial property and infrastructure damage. County floodplain manager Sean Snyder estimated 170–200 damaged structures in affected neighborhoods, with about 79 classified as major (25–30 of those destroyed or washed off their foundations). County staff said recovery work already includes debris removal, temporary permitting and repair planning for roads and bridges.

The county’s emergency services and public works teams described a multiagency recovery effort. Chuck Brotherton, county executive for emergency services, and Eric Carter, chief emergency management coordinator, said an alternate emergency operations center continues to operate in the Leander area and that partners there have helped coordinate response. Snyder told the court his team has set up a remote permitting office at Round Mountain Baptist Church and that county staff are urging impacted residents to obtain repair permits even though the court waived permit fees — "we did not waive the requirement of a permit," he said. County permitting staff said they will prioritize applications from the impacted area and help residents understand floodplain rules and the National Flood Insurance Program.

Transportation and Natural Resources (TNR) and Public Works staff briefed the court on road and bridge damage. Robert Valenzuela, public works director, reported about 11 repair locations on Cow Creek and several damaged low‑water crossings and said crews are prioritizing a heavily damaged low‑water crossing and other repairs. Regarding Big Sandy Creek bridge, Valenzuela said engineering assessments indicate the existing bridge can be repaired rather than rebuilt; the county plans a two‑phase approach with an accelerated, 30–45 day repair schedule once a design and contractor work are authorized.

Debris removal updates showed large volumes already removed: TNR reported 38,072 cubic yards of debris taken from the Sandy Creek neighborhood (about 3,173 dump‑truck loads). The county has collected signed rights‑of‑entry for private property removal and submitted a formal state request (a "STAR" request) for assistance with private property debris and vehicle removal including boats, trailers, RVs and mobile homes. County officials also issued free landfill vouchers for residents and opened a drop site for vegetative debris through August 3.

Health and Human Services (HHS) asked the court to authorize two special‑project social‑service staff to coordinate long‑term recovery services at the site and in the community. Pilar (HHS staff) said the county is prioritizing households with complete loss or uninhabitable homes, making door‑to‑door outreach and coordinating a planned multi‑agency resource center (MARC) to provide assistance including access to ID and benefits. The court approved hiring two HHS temporary special‑project workers for the remainder of FY2025 and FY2026 (motion: Commissioner Shea; second: Commissioner Trevillian; passed unanimously).

County staff emphasized public information and coordination tasks: TNR will operate a debris information inbox (TCFloodDebris@traviscountytx.gov), the county has a website and QR flyers, and staff are placing PIO and public engagement personnel at Round Mountain Baptist Church to help residents find resources. Staff also warned that rebuilding in floodplains carries implications for the community’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program and urged residents to consult county planners: rebuilding may be allowed but must meet current floodplain standards (including Atlas‑14 updates adopted by the county).

The court directed staff to continue recovery planning, pursue state and federal assistance where eligible, and to return with further briefings and cost estimates for infrastructure repairs and debris management. County executives and public works staff said they will return to court with recommended funding moves after PBO and finance evaluate the cost of the repairs and debris operations.

Ending: County officials urged residents in affected areas to visit the Round Mountain site for permitting, debris and case‑management help and reminded the public to use the county flood viewer and to contact permitting staff before rebuilding.