Commissioner Rich Paces Discusses Flood Recovery and Rising Electric Costs on Hill Country Patriot

News  •  Flood Recovery  •  Energy Costs

Commissioner Rich Paces joined Lorraine LeMon on Hill Country Patriot to discuss Kerr County flood recovery, assistance for damaged private roads, the Center Point gravel-recovery effort, and his work addressing rising electricity costs.

Commissioner Rich Paces recently joined Lorraine LeMon on Hill Country Patriot to update Kerr County residents on several major issues affecting local families.

The discussion focused on flood recovery, assistance for damaged private roads, the productive reuse of flood-deposited gravel, and rising electricity costs.

Fighting for Individual FEMA Assistance

Kerr County has received federal Public Assistance to help government entities recover eligible costs involving public infrastructure.

However, assistance for individual families and households remains a critical missing piece.

Many residents are still dealing with damaged homes, mold, displaced living arrangements, and major rebuilding expenses.

Commissioner Paces has sent President Donald J. Trump a letter requesting an amended Major Disaster Declaration that includes Individual Assistance for Kerr County residents.

“The priority is assistance for individuals and families who do not have the financial resources to secure another home while they recover and rebuild,” Paces explained.

Helping Residents on Damaged Private Roads

Flooding severely damaged many private roads and driveways throughout Kerr County.

Because the county does not maintain private roads, Commissioner Paces worked with Kerr Together and volunteer contractors to connect affected residents with available help.

Participating contractors have included Armor Excavating, McDermott Construction, TNT Services, and David Cruz. These contractors provided equipment, grading, and road-repair assistance without charging affected residents.

Kerr Together is now coordinating requests for private-road assistance and pursuing resources to continue the work.

Turning Flood Gravel Into a Community Resource

Commissioner Paces also discussed the gravel-recovery effort at the Crossing Street area in Center Point.

Working with Annie’s Helping Hands and community partners, gravel deposited by the flood was removed from private property and put to productive use throughout the community.

Recovered gravel has supported:

• The Center Point Volunteer Fire Department’s future fire-station site
• The Center Point Independent School District football-stadium parking area
• The Center Point Historic Park parking area
• Repairs to damaged private roads

“This effort turned a serious flood-recovery problem into a resource that is helping several parts of our community,” Paces said.

Addressing Rising Electricity Costs

Paces concluded the interview by discussing rising electricity bills and his work on a proposed amendment to Texas Senate Bill 3.

The proposal is intended to address major energy-planning concerns and unnecessary ratepayer costs associated with battery energy storage and new high-voltage transmission infrastructure.

Additional information about the proposed amendment will be published after discussions with state legislative officials are completed.

Service Before Self

Commissioner Paces emphasized that his work is rooted in service to the community.

“I was happily retired before I decided to run for office,” Paces said. “I have been blessed, and this is about giving back. We have to do everything we can to help.”

From flood response and private-road recovery to energy policy and property-tax restraint, Commissioner Paces remains focused on the issues affecting Kerr County families.

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— Rich Paces, Kerr County Commissioner, Precinct 2