Friday, April 26, 2024
Logjams and snags in the Leon River are causing property damage during high water events. Coryell County leaders are looking to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help resolve the problem.
"We've been dealing with logjams in the Leon River, and it's been causing some issues for us," said Coryell County Attorney Brandon Belt. "One in particular that continues to cause damage is upstream from the bridge across (Farm to Market Road) 1829. When the river gets up, it cuts across the land and then runs across 1829."
Other major logjams have led to recurring flooding near Mother Neff State Park.
The county has been discussing the concern and a possible resolution with the Corps of Engineers.
"They have a program to help remove snags," Belt said. "Over the years, the snags cause the river to jump out (onto property nearby)."
When water flows through the impacted areas, "It runs deeper, faster and there's more erosion," Belt said. "There's nothing to stabilize it because it's running across a field. The Corps of Engineers has a program and property owners (who are affected) have to have the consent of the governing agency."
Steve Manning, a Coryell County rancher, told the Coryell County Commissioners Court that by working together, different local entities can help resolve the concerns.
"There are a number of problems with the river and flooding, and there's a lot of money out there but you have to go get it," he said. "That involves coordinating with the cities and county."
County Judge Roger Miller said the county isn't being asked for funding as part of the effort, but county leaders are just expressing their support for Corps of Engineers work to help fix snags in the river that lead to flooding issues.
