Commissioners agree to sponsor grant application for repairs to Atkins and Greenlee conservation dams

Taylor County Commissioners Court on Tuesday approved county sponsorship of a grant application to repair two conservation dams — the Atkins and Greenlee sites — coordinated by the Clear Fork-North Clear Fork Colonia Water Conservation District and the county’s soil and water partners.

Presenter Beaumont told the court that engineers identified needed repairs: Atkins requires rock riprap to protect against wave action, with an estimated cost of $90,000 plus a $20,000 mobilization; Greenlee needs repairs to a diversion structure estimated at $45,000. Beaumont said the district seeks $171,500 from the state flood-control structural repair grant program to cover the two projects.

Beaumont outlined the grant calendar: application submission by the end of the month, agency review through late winter, selection notice around February 28, 2026 and contract/funding in April 2026 if awarded. The district asked the commissioners to sign a sponsorship signature on the application to proceed. Beaumont said Taylor County Precinct 4 would provide any in-kind match (equipment or labor) if the grant required matching services.

Commissioner Statler moved to approve the county cosponsorship and to authorize staff to sign the sponsor signature; Commissioner Burcham seconded and the court voted 4-0 in favor. County staff will deliver the signed application to the district and return if any additional county commitments are requested after award notification.

Beaumont said the district also plans an annual valve‑inspection tour and would examine the two dams during that field review.