In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing challenges related to the repair of a severely damaged crossing on Beaver Brook Road, which has been under scrutiny since Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The meeting highlighted the collaboration between Hardin County, FEMA, TDIM, and engineering firm LJA to navigate the complexities of the repair process.

Commissioners recapped the lengthy approval process with FEMA, which has included multiple grant managers and a series of proposals to replace existing culverts with a bridge. However, the project has faced significant hurdles, including bids that exceeded the budget by more than double. The original budget was set at approximately $1.6 million, while the lowest bid received was around $4.8 million. FEMA has not approved the additional funding, citing concerns over the project's scope changes.

The discussion also addressed the need for a temporary road during construction, which raised concerns about accessibility for local residents. With around 100 homes relying on the crossing, officials noted that any flooding could further complicate access. The potential for a low-lying bypass road was deemed inadequate, as it would likely become impassable during flood events.

To move forward, officials proposed a workshop to gather all stakeholders and reach a consensus on a feasible plan that would ensure continued access for residents while adhering to FEMA guidelines. The engineering team suggested alternative methods for replacing the culverts that would allow for traffic maintenance without the need for a bypass.

As the meeting concluded, officials emphasized the urgency of addressing the deteriorating conditions of the crossing, which have continued to worsen since the initial damage from Hurricane Harvey. The collaborative effort aims to find a solution that balances safety, accessibility, and compliance with federal regulations.