KERRVILLE, Texas — July 10, 2025 — For years, Kerr County has faced persistent challenges in securing the funds necessary to maintain and upgrade its flood warning systems. As climate change continues to drive more frequent and intense storms in Central Texas, the county’s reliance on early warning infrastructure has never been greater. However, recent shifts in federal policy under President Donald Trump’s second administration have made accessing crucial funding even more difficult for rural communities like Kerr County.
Flood Risks Grow, Budgets Shrink
Central Texas, including Kerr County, has long been vulnerable to flash flooding, with the region’s rivers and creeks prone to overflow during severe weather events. In 2024 alone, the area experienced two major flooding incidents that caused millions of dollars in damages. Local officials have repeatedly stressed the need for modernized flood warning systems, which can provide life-saving alerts to residents in flood-prone zones.
Yet, despite the growing risks, Kerr County’s budget for public safety remains tight. County Commissioner’s Court minutes from May 2025 reveal that allocations for flood warning infrastructure have stagnated, with grant applications increasingly unsuccessful.
Federal Funding Shifts Under Trump Administration
Federal disaster preparedness programs, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Flood Mitigation Assistance and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) grant initiatives, have historically been a critical lifeline for rural Texas counties. However, since President Trump returned to office in January 2025, his administration has prioritized funding for border security, infrastructure, and energy development, while slashing allocations for climate-related resilience projects.
In March 2025, the Department of Homeland Security announced a 22% reduction in FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation grants, directly impacting small counties’ ability to secure matching funds for warning systems. According to the Texas Division of Emergency Management, at least 16 rural counties—including Kerr—have lost out on crucial federal support this year.
Local Officials Sound the Alarm
“We’re seeing more extreme rain events, but fewer resources to prepare,” said Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator John Smith during a public meeting in June. County officials have begun exploring alternative funding sources, including state grants and partnerships with local nonprofits, but these efforts have yet to close the gap left by reduced federal support.
Kerr County’s current flood warning system, which relies on a patchwork of river gauges and sirens, is increasingly outdated. Technological upgrades, such as real-time mobile alerts and advanced weather monitoring stations, are considered essential but remain out of reach for now.
Looking Ahead
As hurricane season approaches, the stakes are high for Kerr County and other rural communities across Texas. With federal funding increasingly out of reach, local leaders are urging state lawmakers and private partners to step in. Without swift action, experts warn, more residents could be left vulnerable to future floods in 2025 and beyond.
