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Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 11:38 AM

Snell injects $200K into relief

Snell injects $200K into relief
Clean up efforts underway in Shady River Resort and Goodwater RV Parks of SH 29 between Taylor and Georgetown. Photo by Emily Treadway

WILLIAMSON COUNTY

Nearly all roads reopened after flooding, rains

GEORGETOWN — Williamson County officials Friday approved up to $200,000 in vouchers to cover the cost of trash and debris removal following the disastrous July Fourth weekend flooding that claimed three lives locally.

In addition, President Donald Trump visited the hardest-hit areas in the Hill Country, promising more federal disaster aid to an area swamped by a wall of water when the Guadalupe River surged over its banks during heavy rainfall a week ago.

Meanwhile, at a special meeting of the Williamson County Commissioners Court July 11, County Judge Steven

There are lots of heroes that helped out.”

— Russ Boles, Precinct 4 Commissioner Snell updated the community on relief efforts related to the storm that turned the San Gabriel River into a churning maelstrom that deluged Central Texas communities July 5.

“There were little silver linings through this tragedy. It could have been much worse than it was,” Snell said.

“There are lots of heroes that helped out,” added Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles.

Snell said the vouchers for trash and debris removal specifically target the Liberty Hill community, which was the most affected in the county.

Three deaths tied to the flooding were reported in that area. The victims are Kaitlyn Swallow, 22, Sherry Richardson, 64, and Kent Wattinger, 37.

An elderly man in Leander is presumed missing, but the case has been turned over to the Leander Police Department because it is uncertain if his disappearance is connected to the natural disaster, officials said.

Two of three roads that remained closed late in the week reopened Friday, said Bob Daigh, director of infrastructure for the county.

Court officials also extended the county’s disaster declaration by another 60 days.

More information regarding the floods will be discussed in the commissioners’ regular meeting 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 15. Subjects on the docket will include the disposal of debris and overtime for county employees.

Gov. Greg Abbott has also called a special session for Monday, July 21, that will include discussion and possible legislation affecting flood recovery, prevention, warnings and mitigation.

Over the course of the past week, officials have provided constant updates and held briefings on the local impact of the catastrophe.

At the height of the flooding, 29 roads within the county were closed. Eight roadways, including two bridges, were severely damaged.

Raging waters swept through Shady River Resort and Goodwater RV Park, giving people only enough time to escape with the clothes on their backs, officials said.

Near Taylor, Mustang Creek rose near the Taylor Municipal Airport off U.S. 79 and areas of Circleville also experienced flooding.

Abbott Friday said Williamson County had been added to a federal disaster declaration.

Williamson County residents can apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster assistance online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362.

Snell urged patience in the clean-up effort, there is lots of “red tape” and “hoops to jump through.”

The county is setting up a burn site for natural debris, but Snell added the work is timeconsuming because much of the material has to be pulled apart.

The efforts of those wishing to volunteer in the aid effort are appreciated, but they shouldn’t just strike out on their own, cautioned Bruce Clements, director of emergency management for Williamson County.

“Please don’t freelance and go out on your own. It can be dangerous out there,” Clements said.

He encouraged people to join an organized effort, noting the groups also have protective gear in addition to offering safety in numbers.

The flooding from massive rainfall started early July 4 in Kerrville and Kerr County, where the majority of deaths and missing persons have been reported.

At press time, authorities said 120 people have died and an estimated 160 to 170 remain missing.


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