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Officials say $3 million Corps study needed to fix Lozquilala Creek flooding; local match of about $1.5 million required
Summary
Commissioners were briefed on a multi-year effort to secure a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study for Lozquilala Creek that Speaker 2 said would cost $3 million, with federal funding covering roughly half and a local match of about $1.5 million needed to proceed.
An update during the Lamar County Commission meeting focused on long-running flooding along Lozquilala Creek and the work to secure federal support for a large-scale study and remediation plan.
Speaker 2 told the commission the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has estimated the preliminary study at about $3,000,000. "The study itself is gonna cost $3,000,000," Speaker 2 said, adding that "the federal government will pay one half of that," leaving the county and partners to identify the remaining roughly $1,500,000 local share.
Speaker 2 described the scale of potential work: engineers have recommended solutions that could cross the state line and include up to a 27-mile dredge to achieve a lasting fix rather than repeated short-term repairs. Speaker 2 said the project would be a federal undertaking if it reaches that scope and estimated total costs could exceed $100,000,000 for full construction.
Local officials have been collecting letters and engaging with elected representatives. Speaker 2 said he had gathered support letters for Congressman Aderhold and discussed the issue with multiple state and federal offices. Commissioners and staff emphasized caution about promising outcomes prematurely: Speaker 2 said he did not want to create expectations that funding was secured before approvals and planning were complete.
Why it matters: Lozquilala Creek flooding has damaged timberland, pasture, and property, and commissioners framed the study as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure a long-term solution. Speaker 4 and staff noted that short-term DOT mitigation work was a "Band-Aid" intended to protect bridges while longer-term funding and engineering plans are pursued.
Next steps: Speaker 2 and county staff said they will continue coordinating with the Corps, state agencies and elected officials to assemble funding and plan public meetings; Speaker 3 asked that the Corps be invited back for another meeting to hear local input.
