Staff Writer – Cuero Online News |July 27, 2025
In a nearly 12-hour joint hearing that drew testimony from top state agencies and emergency officials, the Texas Senate and House Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding took decisive steps toward crafting legislation aimed at strengthening the state’s emergency response infrastructure. Held in Austin, the hearing marked a pivotal moment in an ongoing effort to improve coordination, communication, and life-saving preparedness in the face of Texas’s increasingly frequent natural disasters.
Testimony was presented by Nim Kidd of the Texas Department of Emergency Management, along with leadership from the Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks and Wildlife, TXDoT, the Public Utility Commission, and the Texas Water Development Board. These agencies addressed critical issues, ranging from disaster timelines and warning protocols to infrastructure resilience and inter-agency coordination.
Of particular focus was the exchange with the Upper Guadalupe River Authority, which oversees operations along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County. The dialogue highlighted the importance of river gauge technology, early alert systems, and cross-agency best practices in flood-prone regions. Testimony from additional river authorities reinforced the need for consistent standards and local empowerment in water management strategies.
In a deeply technical yet urgent final panel, lawmakers zeroed in on radio interoperability—a key factor in ensuring first responders can seamlessly communicate across jurisdictions during emergencies. The discussion underscored the vital role that communication infrastructure plays in both immediate response and long-term recovery efforts.
Committee members—including journalists, lawmakers, and emergency management advocates—acknowledged the emotional weight of the hearing. Many spoke to the courage of first responders who risked their lives and the tireless dedication of volunteers aiding in recovery across impacted communities.
Next week, committee members will travel to Kerrville to hear firsthand from local officials and residents who experienced the recent tragedy. This upcoming hearing represents not just a fact-finding mission, but a continued commitment to listening and legislative action informed by community voices.
The road ahead may be complex, but the tone set in Austin signals meaningful change. Texans can expect future legislation to reflect both technical innovation and heartfelt testimony, as lawmakers work to protect lives and strengthen resilience statewide.
PUBLIC NOTICE FOR DEWITT COUNTY * AUGUST 6TH HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE
Dewitt County invites residents to take part in shaping the updated Hazard Mitigation Plan—because readiness starts with us.
