Texas, flash floods and Kerr County
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The Texas Tribune on MSNDid fiscal conservatism block plans for a new flood warning system in Kerr County?In the last nine years, federal funding for a system has been denied to the county as it contends with a tax base hostile to government overspending.
According to Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, the county's top elected official, "the public reeled at the cost" of flash flood early warning protections.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick told CBS News Monday that the state of Texas could pay for storm sirens along the Guadalupe River.
Kerr County repeatedly failed to secure a warning system, even as local officials remained aware of the risks and as billions of dollars were available for similar projects.
The deadly Texas floods have brought the state's approach to land approvals, especially in flood-prone areas, under more scrutiny.
More than 170 people are missing and the confirmed death toll has climbed to nearly 120 after flash floods devastated parts of central Texas. Follow here for the latest.
Follow for live updates in the Texas flooding as more than 160 are missing as rescuers continue a desperate search
Hope of finding survivors of the catastrophic flooding in Texas is dimming a day after the death toll surpassed 100.