In a decisive move to bolster flood safety, Texas’s Water Development Board has fast-tracked two Senate bills that will roll out outdoor warning sirens across 30 flood-prone counties.
This effort was spurred by the July 2025 floods.
Accelerated Timeline for Flood Warning Sirens
The Board announced that the accelerated timeline applies to Senate Bill 3 and Senate Bill 5.
Both bills were drafted in response to the July 2025 flooding.
The accelerated timeline was approved by the Texas Water Development Board.
The timeline will guide the implementation of the two bills.
Expected Deliveries and Next Steps
The Board expects to deliver the grant agreements to each of the 30 counties by Thursday, Dec. 18.
Once the agreements are signed, counties can begin procuring sirens and related equipment.
The Board will also oversee the adoption of the rules and procedures outlined in Senate Bill 3.
The procurement process will be conducted under the guidance of the Board.
Senate Bill 3: County Assessment and Implementation Rules
Senate Bill 3 directs the Water Development Board to assess 30 counties.
The assessment will identify flash flood-prone areas that have a history of consistent or severe flooding.
The assessment will determine where outdoor warning sirens are warranted.
The bill also requires the Board to adopt rules and procedures that include best management practices.
The rules and procedures will govern the operation of outdoor warning sirens once they are installed.
They will provide guidance for the operation of outdoor warning sirens.
The guidelines will ensure consistency across the 30 counties.
The adoption of these rules is a key component of Senate Bill 3.
The Bill’s focus on assessment and regulation is designed to create a comprehensive framework for siren deployment.
The framework will address both technical and operational aspects.
It will also incorporate best management practices.
The framework is part of Senate Bill 3.
Senate Bill 5: Grant Funding and System Deployment
Senate Bill 5 appropriated $50 million in grant funding to assist municipalities, counties, and other governmental entities within the 30 counties.
The funding will support the establishment and implementation of a comprehensive flood warning siren system.
This system will incorporate flood gages and all other essential components necessary for effective warning.
The grant money is earmarked to cover installation, maintenance, and operational costs.
The system will include flood gages.
The system will include all other essential components.
These components are necessary for effective warning.
The system will be designed to provide reliable alerts.
The grant funding will enable the counties to procure sirens and related equipment.
The counties will receive funding to cover the costs of sirens.
They will also receive funding for installation.
They will also receive funding for maintenance.
Implementation Phases
Implementation will proceed in phases to ensure readiness and reliability.
The first phase will involve assessment and rule adoption.
The second phase will involve procurement and installation.
The final phase will involve testing and operation.
Key Takeaways
- The accelerated timeline applies to Senate Bill 3 and Senate Bill 5.
- The Board will deliver grant agreements to 30 counties by Dec. 18.
- $50M grant funding supports siren system deployment.
By advancing these two Senate bills, the Texas Water Development Board is taking concrete steps in the wake of the July 2025 floods.
The combination of a rigorous assessment process, clear operational guidelines, and substantial grant funding sets the stage for a robust warning network across those 30 counties.
