Newton County urged to pin local drainage problems to qualify for flood-infrastructure funding

A presenter from the regional flood planning outreach team told Newton County Commissioners the county must submit location-specific drainage and flood projects to be included in the regional flood plan, which in turn becomes part of the state plan and is the prerequisite for applying for flood-infrastructure funds.

The presenter (identified in the meeting as Mark) said the Texas Water Development Board program divides the state into regional plans under Texas Water Code chapter 16. He explained a short online survey (with a QR code provided to commissioners) that asks users to drop a pin at locations with bridges, culverts or drainage problems and briefly describe the issue. The presenter said the plan is the county’s "ticket to apply" for future funds from the Texas Water Development Board and encouraged commissioners and residents to complete multiple survey entries for separate problem locations.

Commissioners asked whether the program is tied to FEMA; the presenter said it is not—this is a state-level effort under the Texas Water Development Board—and stressed that inclusion in the regional plan is necessary to qualify projects for future funding.

The presenter offered to host a hands-on workshop so commissioners and staff can complete the survey together and identify county projects to pin for the plan.