On Tuesday, KPRC 2 Reporter Corley Peel spoke with neighbors in the New River Estates subdivision who have been surrounded by high water since April 29. It’s a neighborhood at risk of disappearing and they are desperate for immediate help and long-term solutions.
Neighbor Gary Evans took our KPRC 2 crew on a boat ride with Commissioner Greg Arthur so he could see the devastating conditions. County Road 2166 is washed out and neighbors can only access their homes by boat.
“I’ve been here since 1986 and been through a lot of floods. This is the worst it’s been,” Arthur said.
The county will not be able to build a temporary road until the water goes down, Arthur told KPRC 2.
The water is typically around 10 feet deep but is currently 30 to 40 feet deep.
People have been living without power and water for weeks. KPRC 2 was there as Arthur put in a phone call to emergency management. He said crews will be bringing water, food and other supplies to the subdivision on Thursday.
The neighborhood is prone to flooding. Arthur said some residents took a voluntary buyout after Harvey. He said if more floods happen, the neighborhood could disappear.
“I told people on the buyout, we get another flood like this, this is a good possibility that will be gone and there won’t be any room to build a road,” said Arthur.
Corley asked Arthur if the county will encourage people to move or offer another buyout.
“I don’t know if we’ll get another buyout, but we’ll definitely look at that. I don’t think we’re going to have to encourage many people not to live here,” said Arthur.
Evans said his home had a foot of water inside and his family has been staying in a hotel and with family. Because of recent flooding, he said his family will not be able to stay in their home along the river any longer.
Neighbors told us they’re concerned about more flooding with rain expected in the forecast. Officials said there is currently not a mandatory evacuation order and they are monitoring the conditions, but they encourage residents to take caution and make accommodations.
Liberty County Emergency Management Director Bill Hergemueller, said a large-scale team will be in the New River Estates subdivision on Thursday to see if they can get a closer look at areas that have been impacted by the flood. They will have to wait for the water to go down before making a final damage assessment to see if any financial relief can be provided.
The county issued a state declaration of disaster on April 29. So far, a federal disaster declaration has not been made. Governor Greg Abbott posted on “X” that he sent a letter to President Joe Biden requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Texas Communities impacted by recent severe weather and flooding that began on April 26.
Sent a letter requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration to help 26 counties impacted by severe weather and flooding.
— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) May 15, 2024
This will give Texans access to financial assistance that will help cover costs for temporary housing, repairs, and more.
More: https://t.co/0ZlLWwLvVL pic.twitter.com/yn0Xa6brwR
Liberty County Emergency Management said if your home or business has been damaged by the storm or flood waters; you can use iSTAT to upload information about damages.
Commissioner Arthur encourages residents to reach out to his office or emergency management if they have any questions or specific needs. The number to contact his office is 936-298-2790.
The Liberty County Emergency Management Office number is 936-334-3219.