Authorities in Kerr County, Texas, where 27 individuals at a Christian summer camp lost their lives in a devastating flood, had considered implementing a flood warning system along the Guadalupe River, known as “Flash Flood Alley.” However, the proposal was turned down due to cost concerns.
Kerr County, with a population of around 50,000, had explored the installation of sirens, river gauges, and other modern communication tools along the river in 2017 but ultimately decided against it, as reported by the New York Times.
“We can monitor water levels all we want, but if we can’t relay that information to the public promptly, then the whole effort is futile,” remarked Kerr County commissioner Tom Moser at the time.
Despite having an annual budget of approximately $67 million, the county failed to secure a $1 million grant for the project in 2017, according to county commission meeting records.
Instead of a formal warning system, local authorities relied on a verbal communication network to relay information about rising floodwaters downstream from the upstream camps.
In a recent interview, Kerr County judge Rob Kelly mentioned that residents were hesitant about the steep costs associated with a warning system.
“Taxpayers are unwilling to foot the bill,” Kelly stated, as reported by The Times.
Furthermore, county commissioners recently discussed the possibility of utilizing a flood warning system developed by a regional agency, as indicated in budget meeting minutes from May.
