Soil and Water board urges county to fund a dam‑inspector as aging flood control structures draw scrutiny

A representative of the Cross Timbers Soil & Water Conservation District told the Erath County Commissioners Court on Aug. 10 that the county has 76 flood‑control dams — many more than 60 years old — and that the volunteer board and current arrangements are insufficient to keep up with inspections and maintenance needs. The presenter asked the court to consider a dedicated dam‑inspector position to perform regular inspections, develop projects, solicit bids and help ensure timely repairs.

"We need someone who can regularly put eyes on these dams, identify problems, help develop projects, obtain bids, and make sure needed work moves forward," the district representative said. He said drone surveys have been used to identify issues but that "there's still an element of somebody who needs to go out there" to evaluate erosion around drawdown tubes, fencing and spillways and to determine whether repairs or replacements are required.

Commissioners agreed the issue deserves further study; staff was asked to gather examples and memoranda of understanding from other counties (Collin, Wise) about how they structure inspection and funding models and return to the court with options. The district representative noted the potential cost of rebuilding the county's dams today would be in the billions and emphasized that early detection of problems can avoid major projects and protect life and property.