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Travis County briefed on June 14–15 storms; crews working to clear low‑water crossings
Summary
County emergency management and transportation staff reported roughly 17 low‑water crossings impacted by heavy rain June 14–15, one water rescue, park closures and plans to complete designs and procure contractors for damaged low‑water crossings within weeks pending federal approvals and property easements.
Travis County officials briefed the Commissioners Court on operational impacts from a heavy rainfall event that moved through the county overnight June 14–15, reporting approximately 17 low-water crossings affected and at least one documented water rescue.
"Operational impacts and points of interest: our road and bridge and emergency personnel face localized challenges primarily on roads and low water crossings," Eric Carter, the county’s Chief Emergency Management Coordinator, told the court, adding that Warn Central Texas messages were sent during the event to alert residents.
Emergency partners reported additional rescues handled by ESD 12 and a combined response by Austin-Travis County EMS and Austin Fire; Travis County Starflight was requested for four rescues and lifted for two. County parks staff said Hamilton Pool sustained damage and will restrict swimming until bacteria tests clear the site.
Transportation and Natural Resources staff updated commissioners that the Cow Creek low-water crossing design is largely complete and that procurement memos are being prepared for TDM and FEMA review. Juniper Trail, River Fern and Rock Cliff are expected to reach design completion by the end of the month, but one property owner’s refusal to sell a 0.5 parcel requires design reevaluation for that crossing. Staff said the next steps are finalizing memos for federal agency approval and then moving to contractor procurement and construction.
Commissioners asked about timelines and use of emergency procurement; staff said they hope to resolve memos and begin standard bidding or emergency procurement within weeks but cautioned right-of-way, easement and federal reviews will affect timing.
