Veterans Avenue residents urge immediate fixes after repeated flooding; city staff cited longer-term planning

Kevin and Madison Howell told the Copperas Cove City Council that repeated roadway overlays have left Veterans Avenue higher than the curb, sending runoff onto their property and causing structural damage, erosion and interior flooding. They said they had repeatedly provided photos and videos to staff, paid drainage and street maintenance fees, sought public records about historic grading and were told the city sought an attorney general ruling before releasing some documents.

Kevin Howell described damage to structures, including a shed that required releveling and a reported house settling "approximately 3 and a half inches" on one side. He said the neighborhood has no storm drains on that section of Veterans Avenue and that runoff from surrounding streets flows down into their property. Madison Howell continued, saying staff had suggested a homeowner-built berm as one possible fix but that the family cannot afford the materials and labor and is expecting a child; she said staff had indicated any capital project for their area could be as late as 2029. "After years of flooding and damage, being told that there might be a solution several years from now is not enough," she said, and asked for immediate temporary flood barriers and placement of the issue on the council's next agenda so a permanent solution can be found before the next rainy season.

City staff acknowledged the family's concerns and referred to the capital improvement plan, but no formal action or immediate funding commitment was adopted at the meeting. The Howells asked the council to prioritize grading corrections, installation of proper storm drainage and a temporary mitigation measure before the next rainy season.