Quorum Court Reviews Flood Damage Repairs

Damage from this summer’s flash flooding in 5 area counties has totaled approximately 4.4 million dollars. However, the combined damage remains about 330 thousand dollars shy of qualifying for the federal disaster declaration..according to Howard County Judge Kevin Smith. He told the Howard County Quorum Court Monday that state and local officials are still attempting to convince the federal government that the money is needed. In addition to Howard County, the other four counties seeking the federal assistance are Pike, Hempstead, Nevada, and Clark. So far, Howard County has received 150 thousand dollars in state funding for repairs. A bridge on the old Center Point Road is the only one that remains completely closed to traffic. Judge Smith said work should begin early next week on getting the bridge reopened.

Work is also continuing on offices that house the sheriff’s department.