Travis County Commissioners Court Extends Local Disaster Declaration

07/08/2025 - Press release from Travis County:

Travis County Commissioners Court extends local disaster declaration in response to flooding. Additional actions include waiving certain fees, supporting debris cleanup, and issuing a burn ban.

On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the Travis County Commissioners Court unanimously voted to extend the local disaster declaration as search and rescue, recovery, and operations to restore services continue, especially in the northwest part of Travis County where neighborhoods have been severely impacted by the 4th of July holiday weekend flood.

As of Tuesday morning, seven fatalities have been confirmed, and 10 people remain missing.

The disaster declaration expedites emergency operation and collaboration among various local, state, and federal agencies and allows for faster access to resources, so Travis County residents most impacted by the floods can receive the help they need.

The disaster declaration will remain in effect until further action is taken by the Commissioners Court.

Damage Cleanup

As recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Travis County residents who experienced damage are encouraged to:

• Document the damage by taking photos
• Make a list of damaged or lost items
• Save receipts for expenses for temporary housing and other cleanup efforts in order to aid with insurance claims and other aid programs

Residents are also asked to report damage to the Texas Department of Emergency Management by going to damage.tdem.texas.gov. This damage reporting tool helps the state understand where the most affected areas are and allocate resources.

To assist with the cleanup process, the Travis County Commissioners Court has authorized the Transportation and Natural Resources Department to move forward with bringing a contractor on board to help pick up storm debris in the affected unincorporated areas.

Residents in those areas can separate the debris into categories like large appliances, construction debris, and vegetative debris and place them curbside without blocking any roadway, right-of-way, or access to property.

More information on preparing for curbside debris pickup will be available after a contract with a vendor is finalized.

Additionally, the Commissioners Court has approved waiving drop-off fees at the FM1431 Citizens Collection Center where the impacted residents can drop off household trash. This collection center is located at 2625 Woodall Dr. Leander, TX 78613. The current hours are Thursday - Saturday, 8 a.m. - 3:50 p.m.

Burn Ban

Effective Tuesday, July 8, 2025, a burn ban is in effect for Northwest Travis County, specifically neighborhoods along Big Sandy Creek, Cow Creek, and other low-lying areas near creeks. It will remain in effect until August 5, 2025, unless further action is taken by the County Judge or County Fire Marshal before that date.

Travis County Fire Marshal Gary Howell recommended this burn ban to support ongoing search and rescue efforts in the aftermath of the devastating flooding. The large amount of flood debris that accumulated is a public safety hazard that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning.

This ban on outdoor burning does not affect prescribed burns conducted under the supervision of a prescription burn manager. It also does not affect outdoor welding, cutting or grinding operations, and outdoor hot works operations conducted in accordance with the guidelines established by the Travis County Fire Marshal's Office.

Travis County Road Closures and Infrastructure Damage Assessment

The Travis County Transportation and Natural Resources Department has been out in the affected areas since the weekend to assess damage. Crews have checked bridges, roads, and other infrastructure maintained by the County for safety.

As of Tuesday, the status of Travis County maintained roads is as follows:

1. Round Mountain Pass (Highwater) - Closed

2. Big Sandy Ln. (Highwater) - Closed

3. Windy Valley Rd. (Highwater) - Opened

4. Fulkes Rd. (Highwater) - Opened

5. Live Oak (Highwater) - Opened

6. Long Hollow Rd. (Highwater) - Opened

7. Fawn Dr. (Highwater) - Opened

8. Juniper Trail (Highwater) - Closed

9. River Fern Ct. (Highwater) - Closed

10. Cottonwood St. (Highwater) - Closed

11. Daffan Ln. (Highwater) - Opened

12. Decker Lake Rd. (Highwater) - Opened

13. Round Mountain Rd. @ Big Sandy Ln. (Damaged Bridge) - Closed

14. Nameless Rd. @ Travisso (Highwater) - Closed

If there's an area that's under County maintenance where TNR has not been out to assess the damage yet, residents can call 512-854-9433.

Status of other roads not under the jurisdiction of Travis County may be found at atxfloods.com or that jurisdiction's website.

Rebuilding

At Tuesday's voting session, the Travis County Commissioners Court also voted to waive permit fees for those seeking to rebuild. Information about Travis County's permitting process can be found on this webpage: https://www.traviscountytx.gov/tnr/development-services/permitting-center Residents in the impacted areas will need to show proof that their insurance will not pay for the fee in order to get it waived.

Additional Resources

Travis County Health and Human Services is currently coordinating with nonprofits to provide relief to residents affected by flooding. Additionally, Travis County is working on establishing a multi-agency resource center. Details on the center will be released as information becomes available.

If you have been affected by flooding, call the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Red Cross can help with temporary shelter, financial assistance, health and emotional support, and locating missing loved ones.

The Austin Disaster Relief Network is available to help with cleaning out homes, debris and tree pickup, and tarping. Call the Disaster Survivor Hotline at 512-806-0800 or 211 to be connected to volunteers.