Engineering & Development Services reports road repairs, illegal‑dumping spikes and bridge projects; FEMA reimbursements near complete

Washington County Engineering & Development Services (EDS) presented its third‑quarter report Sept. 2, detailing maintenance activity, a rise in septic permits, recurring illegal tire dumping in the eastern part of the county, progress on paving and culvert work, completion of a fleet replacement program, and progress on FEMA and bridge projects.

Why it matters: EDS manages county roads, bridges and permitting. The report highlights infrastructure needs, public‑cost pressures from illegal dumping and flood damage repairs, and the status of grant‑funded mitigation projects that affect county budgets and resident access.

Key points from the EDS quarterly presentation

- Work orders and OSSF (septic) permits: EDS reported 267 work orders for the quarter and 219 OSSF permits issued year‑to‑date. Staff noted an uptick from 2024 levels and said the county completed a successful rollout of a new OSSF order with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

- Illegal tire dumping: Staff described a recurring problem of large‑scale tire dumping concentrated in the eastern county near Mount Falls School, Pickens, Lone Star Road and Swede Road. Individual dumps were reported as near 100 tires per incident. EDS staff and law enforcement are investigating; staff cited a cost‑saving recycling contract (Liberty Tires) that reduces disposal costs from roughly $11–$15 per tire to about $3.50 per tire when collected in trailer loads.

- Paving, base material and culverts: EDS has completed 12.56 miles of paved roads this year and is working on a 3.4‑mile reconstruction on Gonski Road. The county has procured 51,271 tons of base material to date, including crushed concrete where appropriate; staff reported a cost savings of about $51,000 relative to using limestone base on selected projects. Driveway culvert installation counts to date stood at 80, with projections to reach roughly 120 by year end if trends continue.

- Fleet replacement: Staff said fleet replacement is complete and the county has turned over vehicles to Enterprise; expected reimbursement is about $152,000 based on mileage and vehicle disposition estimates.

- FEMA reimbursements and flood repairs: EDS reported that 99% of FEMA funds related to prior flood repairs ($235,977.84 obligated and paid) have been received; a final small payment of about $2,036.25 remains. The department described significant localized flood damage in Precinct 3 where an estimated six inches fell within 90 minutes; repair work for the most damaged crossings will begin early next year and may require temporary road closures.

- Bridges and grants: Staff discussed bridge projects and anticipated construction timelines: Artesian Park bridge and other projects with right‑of‑way secured are expected to start in 2026. The MitMod (mitigation) Myersville project is in design with environmental and geotechnical work scheduled; EDS expects right‑of‑way acquisition of roughly five acres based on preliminary design.

- Vegetation and shredders: EDS discussed Johnson grass control (herbicide program using a branded product “Outrider” and an alternative) and the return of road shredders to the county in about two weeks; staff described plans to refine spraying schedules and equipment deployment.

Discussion and directions

EDS staff and commissioners discussed enforcement and prosecution options for repeat illegal‑dumping offenders; the sheriff and constable’s offices have been responsive to tips and patrols. Staff will continue to coordinate with law enforcement on investigations and pursue more cost‑effective disposal arrangements.

Ending

EDS concluded its report with a request that commissioners continue to support planned 2026 construction timelines and that staff proceed with design and right‑of‑way steps on bridge and mitigation projects. Commissioners thanked staff for rapid emergency repairs following the summer storms.