Kerr Together outlines business and housing recovery plans; estimates $58.6 million rebuild need for affected businesses

Kerr Together’s long‑term recovery group reported Oct. 14 to the Kerr County Commissioners Court on coordinated recovery work after the July 4 flood, detailing business impact counts, planned services and partnerships to support residents and businesses.

Todd Bach of Kerr EDC told the court the group has identified about 260–265 businesses affected in Kerr and western Kendall counties, with 74 businesses self‑identified as directly impacted by floodwaters. The current total rebuild estimate for affected businesses is about $58,600,000, Bach said, though he cautioned the figure is evolving as contractors complete hard estimates.

Key elements reported: - Business recovery: The working group has contacted more than 90% of the 74 directly impacted businesses and is developing a “commercial rebuild” program and reimbursement pathways for firms that have already begun repairs. The group reported three businesses had closed and one had sold as of Oct. 2. - One‑stop resource center: Kerr Together plans to lease about 7,800 square feet at 98 Coronado (offered by James Avery) as a long‑term recovery center where businesses and individuals can access case management and multiple assistance programs in one place. - Warehousing and donations: Kerr Together, in partnership with Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) and the Community Foundation, is setting up a warehouse in Comfort to centralize donated goods and construction materials and to manage inventory and distribution. The warehouse will include forklifts and delivery trucks for distribution and rebuild projects. - Funding coordination: The group is pursuing multiple funding sources — Community Foundation grants, Rebuild Texas sub‑grants, LiftFund distributions and private philanthropy — and is working with McKinsey & Company on a planned economic impact study to better target recovery dollars.

Bach said the group’s board and subcommittees (housing, business recovery, funding coordination, river/riparian recovery, emotional and spiritual care, unmet needs) meet weekly to identify needs and shepherd projects. He highlighted partnerships with Habitat for Humanity and Hunt Preservation Society for housing reconstruction and with GEM for volunteer coordination and construction management.

Why it matters: The county’s recovery group is moving from immediate response toward structured rebuild and reimbursement programs intended to prioritize limited philanthropic and grant dollars. The one‑stop approach aims to reduce duplication and speed access to federal (SBA), state and philanthropic funds.

Next steps: Bach said the business recovery working group will finalize a proposal for the Community Foundation by Oct. 20. The group is also preparing grant requests for administrative and PIO support and has engaged consultants for long‑term recovery case management and fund development.

Ending: Commissioners praised Kerr Together’s coordination and asked staff to continue refining cost estimates and funding proposals; McKinsey’s forthcoming economic study will be used to justify targeted funding requests.