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In Odessa, West Texans prepare for the worst when rain falls. Water rapidly accumulates on sidewalks, roads, and highways, transforming the flat desert landscape into a wetland in an instant.
Local authorities in Ector County, which encompasses Odessa, have indicated that the drainage system in place is outdated. However, funding for necessary upgrades presents a significant challenge.
The region has experienced a surge in population, housing, and commercial development, but the infrastructure has not evolved accordingly. County officials noted that the drainage system, originally installed in the 1970s, is ill-equipped to manage this growth.
In response to these concerns, county commissioners approved a plan last week aimed at updating the drainage system to mitigate flooding. The county is set to hire an engineering firm to assess the city, with the initial study costing $1.5 million, excluding construction and labor expenses. The county will collaborate with Odessa throughout this renovation process.
Flooding has become increasingly prevalent in Texas and across the United States. The Texas Water Development Board reports that every county in Texas has declared a flood disaster at least once. Since 1980, at least nine flooding events have cost the state billions in recovery efforts.
While the state’s inaugural flood plan highlights the importance of flood preparedness, obtaining funding before disasters strike can be a daunting task. At least two federal programs designed for disaster prevention were discontinued during the Trump administration.
City and county governments are likely to bear the substantial costs upfront, hoping to be reimbursed later through state grants or remaining federal programs.
“To be frank, we can’t afford to do this on our own,” stated Jeff Avery, the county’s public works director. “We lack the funds, so this plan will enable us to pursue grants.”
Avery mentioned that efforts to modernize the county’s drainage system began a year and a half ago after he started receiving calls from residents. The county first needed to solicit bids from engineering firms capable of helping design a comprehensive plan. Once the design is finalized, officials will have a cost estimate for the necessary updates. This plan will then be utilized to apply for grants and reimbursements.
The objective is to establish retention ponds that mitigate flooding by capturing large volumes of water runoff. The county must identify flood-prone areas and water flow patterns to construct these facilities effectively. Completing this assessment could take up to two years, followed by several additional years for the upgrades to be finalized.
Planning for natural disasters is a complex task, according to Jaimie Masterson, director of Texas Target Communities at Texas A&M University, which addresses challenges faced by rural towns.
Emergency managers and public works officials at the county level lack the authority to mandate that cities or counties implement flood mitigation measures. This gap often leaves municipalities unprepared for the impact of natural disasters, resulting in extensive damage. Jurisdictional disputes between cities and counties over the development of infrastructure further complicate matters.
If a county seeks to be proactive, it can expect to navigate complicated bureaucratic processes and stringent reporting requirements associated with grant applications.
It is more common for communities to secure funding after a disaster than to prepare ahead of time.
“There’s simply more assistance available for communities whose facilities and infrastructure have been affected,” Masterson explained.
Despite the challenges, Masterson acknowledged that the state has made progress. Local governments are now required to participate in regional flood planning groups within the Texas Water Development Board, providing additional support. The Texas General Land Office is also encouraging local governments to pursue hazard mitigation programs to help finance disaster preparedness.
An analysis found that over 100 Texas counties did not have a hazard mitigation plan as of last year, with flooding included in that category.
Counties that meet eligibility criteria can receive between $20,000 and $100,000 in funding, with a deadline for applications set for December 2025.
Residents have welcomed the county’s initiative in West Texas. Julia Cole, a resident of West Odessa, expressed her concerns about flooding in her neighborhood, where roads can become impassable several times each year. She shared her constant anxiety about navigating home during rainy weather.
“There are no clear options… once water starts pooling on the roads,” Cole remarked. “The flooding cuts off access in every direction, and once you’re in it, the only safe choice is often to push through and hope you make it.”
Disclosure: The Texas General Land Office is a financial supporter of this news organization, which operates as a nonprofit and nonpartisan entity funded in part by member donations, foundations, and corporate sponsors. Financial backers do not influence the organization’s journalism.
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