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Consultants recommend vegetation management, GIS mapping and tree removal to address Dallas County ditch maintenance
Summary
Agri Via presenters told the Dallas County Board that 14 drainage districts—about 35 miles of open ditch—face long‑term maintenance risks from trees and deteriorated outlets and recommended a three‑part plan including a countywide vegetation spraying program, GIS digitization (~$20,000) and tree removal bid work (~$10,000).
Tyler Buman, speaking with Jacob Hagan of Agri Via, told the Dallas County Board of Supervisors that an assessment of open drainage facilities found 14 districts with roughly 35 miles of open ditch and 18 outlet structures showing signs of deterioration. Buman said trees and shrubs within many ditches are shading grass, restricting drainage and increasing future maintenance costs.
Buman recommended three initiatives: a countywide vegetation management spraying program on a three‑year rotation procured via competitive bid; a GIS digitization project to map drainage lines and sizes for use in county systems and by landowners (estimated cost about $20,000); and a tree‑removal project to remove trees located above drainage mains and other critical infrastructure (estimated bid‑prep cost about $10,000). He noted some drainage tiles run beneath areas with established tree growth, including near bike trails, which may complicate work plans.
The presenters recommended holding a public hearing before proceeding so affected landowners could be informed of proposed work and potential costs. The board directed staff to bring the item back next week for further review and discussion and to prepare for public notification. No funding vote or contract award occurred at the meeting.
Board members asked for additional review and public input; no decision to allocate county funds was made at this session. The board requested staff return with materials for a public hearing.
