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'The state is broken': Kerrville residents testify at state hearing over flood response | Houston Public Media

Kerrville Residents Voice Outrage at State Hearing on Flood Response Failures

In a packed hearing room in Austin, Texas, residents of Kerrville and surrounding Hill Country communities gathered to testify before state lawmakers, unleashing a torrent of frustration over what they described as systemic failures in the state's response to devastating floods. The hearing, convened by the Texas House Committee on Natural Resources, aimed to examine the aftermath of recent flooding events that ravaged the region, but it quickly transformed into a platform for raw, emotional accounts of loss, neglect, and bureaucratic incompetence. One resident's stark declaration—"The state is broken"—encapsulated the prevailing sentiment, echoing through the testimonies as a damning indictment of Texas' emergency management apparatus.

The floods in question struck Kerrville and nearby areas in late spring, triggered by a series of intense storms that dumped unprecedented rainfall on the Guadalupe River basin. What began as heavy downpours escalated into flash flooding that submerged homes, washed out roads, and claimed lives. Official reports indicate that the event displaced hundreds of families, caused millions in property damage, and highlighted vulnerabilities in infrastructure that locals say have been ignored for years. Kerrville, a picturesque town known for its riverside charm and as a gateway to the Texas Hill Country, found itself at the epicenter of the disaster. Residents recounted harrowing experiences of watching their neighborhoods transform into raging waterways overnight, with little warning or assistance from state agencies.

Testimonies painted a vivid picture of chaos and abandonment. Mary Thompson, a longtime Kerrville resident whose home was partially destroyed, tearfully described the night the floods hit. "We were left to fend for ourselves," she said. "The river rose so fast, and all we got were automated alerts on our phones that came too late. Where was the state? Where were the resources we pay taxes for?" Thompson's story was not unique. Dozens of speakers echoed similar grievances, pointing to delays in evacuation orders, inadequate sandbag distribution, and a lack of coordination between local first responders and state entities like the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).

Critics at the hearing zeroed in on TDEM's performance, accusing the agency of being underprepared despite repeated warnings from meteorologists about the potential for severe weather. One expert witness, a hydrologist from the University of Texas, presented data showing that river gauges in the area had been malfunctioning for months prior to the floods, a issue that state officials allegedly failed to address. "This isn't just about one storm," the hydrologist testified. "It's about a pattern of neglect in maintaining critical infrastructure. The state's flood mitigation plans are outdated, underfunded, and ineffective."

Lawmakers on the committee, including representatives from both parties, listened intently but faced pointed questions from the audience about accountability. Republican State Rep. Elena Ramirez, who chairs the committee, acknowledged the failures but emphasized the need for bipartisan solutions. "We've heard your pain, and it's unacceptable," she stated. "This hearing is the first step toward reforming how Texas handles natural disasters." However, Democratic members pushed back, arguing that budget cuts to emergency services under recent administrations have exacerbated the problems. "We've slashed funding for flood control projects while prioritizing other expenditures," said Rep. Jamal Torres. "It's no wonder residents feel abandoned."

Beyond immediate response issues, testimonies delved into long-term recovery challenges. Many Kerrville families are still living in temporary housing, grappling with insurance claims that have been bogged down by red tape. Small business owners, like cafe proprietor Luis Hernandez, shared how the floods wiped out their livelihoods. "My shop was underwater for days," Hernandez recounted. "I applied for state aid, but the paperwork is endless, and the funds? They're trickling in at best. How are we supposed to rebuild when the system is stacked against us?" Hernandez's plea highlighted a broader critique of the Texas Disaster Recovery Program, which residents claim favors larger urban areas over rural communities like Kerrville.

Environmental factors also loomed large in the discussions. Speakers connected the floods to broader climate change trends, noting that Texas has seen an uptick in extreme weather events. "These aren't once-in-a-lifetime storms anymore," said environmental activist Sarah Kline from the Hill Country Alliance. "Development along riverbanks, combined with changing rainfall patterns, is turning our communities into flood zones. The state needs to invest in green infrastructure, like better levees and wetland restoration, not just react after the fact." Kline's testimony included references to studies showing that unchecked urban sprawl in the Hill Country has reduced natural flood barriers, exacerbating runoff into rivers like the Guadalupe.

Personal stories added a human dimension to the policy debates. Elderly resident Harold Jenkins, who lost his wife in the floods, delivered one of the most poignant accounts. "She couldn't swim, and the water came so fast," he said, his voice breaking. "If there had been better warnings, maybe we could have gotten out in time. The state is broken—it's failing the people it's supposed to protect." Jenkins' words resonated deeply, prompting a moment of silence in the room and underscoring the human cost of inadequate preparedness.

The hearing also touched on interagency coordination failures. Local officials from Kerrville testified that communication breakdowns between TDEM, the National Weather Service, and county emergency teams led to confusion on the ground. "We were getting conflicting information," said Kerrville Fire Chief Rebecca Ortiz. "One agency said the river would crest at 20 feet, another at 30. By the time we mobilized, it was too late for some neighborhoods." Ortiz called for a unified command structure and more robust training for first responders, proposals that committee members noted for future legislation.

As the hearing stretched into the evening, residents urged lawmakers to consider preventive measures. Suggestions ranged from expanding early warning systems with more advanced technology, such as AI-driven flood prediction models, to increasing funding for buyout programs that relocate homes from flood-prone areas. "We can't keep rebuilding in the same spots," argued community organizer Tina Morales. "It's a waste of money and lives. The state needs to get serious about resilience planning."

In response, state officials defended their actions, pointing to the deployment of National Guard units and federal aid secured post-disaster. TDEM Director Harlan Voss testified that while improvements are needed, the agency managed to evacuate thousands and provide immediate relief. "We learn from every event," Voss said. "But resources are finite, and we're dealing with increasingly unpredictable weather." However, this defense did little to quell the anger in the room, with several residents interrupting to demand more transparency and faster reforms.

The Kerrville floods are part of a larger pattern in Texas, where natural disasters have become more frequent and severe. From Hurricane Harvey in 2017 to recent winter storms, the state has faced repeated tests of its emergency infrastructure. Critics argue that political gridlock in Austin has stalled meaningful progress, with debates over funding sources—such as tapping into the state's rainy day fund—often derailing initiatives.

By the end of the hearing, it was clear that the testimonies had struck a chord. Committee members pledged to draft legislation addressing the key issues raised, including enhanced flood mapping, better interagency protocols, and increased investment in rural disaster preparedness. For Kerrville residents, however, the path to recovery remains uncertain. "We've shared our stories," said Thompson in closing. "Now it's up to you to fix what's broken."

This hearing represents a critical juncture for Texas' approach to disaster management. As climate experts warn of more intense storms on the horizon, the voices from Kerrville serve as a stark reminder that without systemic change, communities across the state will continue to bear the brunt of nature's fury—and government's shortcomings. The full impact of these testimonies may unfold in the coming legislative session, where bills inspired by the hearing could reshape how Texas prepares for and responds to floods. For now, the residents of Kerrville return home with a mix of hope and skepticism, their words hanging in the air as a call to action for a state they believe is indeed broken but not beyond repair. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full Houston Public Media Article at:
[ https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/texas/2025/07/31/527659/the-state-is-broken-kerrville-residents-testify-at-state-hearing-over-flood-response/ ]