LIBERTY, TX — April 10, 2025 — Liberty County commissioners are evaluating proposed updates to local floodplain and floodway regulations in an effort to improve public safety and reduce the impact of future flooding events. The discussion, held during a recent commissioners court meeting, focused on revising current rules to address the growing concerns of residents and officials as severe weather and rising water levels continue to threaten low-lying areas across the county.
The review of these regulations comes at a critical time, as Liberty County has experienced increased flooding along the Trinity River and its surrounding areas. Past storms have left dozens of homes and properties submerged, and emergency management officials have warned of the potential for continued problems if proactive measures aren’t taken.
“These updates are about making Liberty County more resilient,” said one county official during the meeting. “We’re looking at where our policies need to be strengthened — particularly in areas like development in flood-prone zones, elevation requirements, and emergency access planning.”
Residents have raised concerns in recent years about unchecked development in flood-prone areas and the need for stricter building standards. The proposed revisions aim to improve construction guidelines, increase transparency in floodplain mapping, and ensure that new infrastructure projects account for potential flood hazards.
In addition to regulation changes, commissioners also discussed ways to improve public communication during flood emergencies, including updated evacuation routes, better signage, and real-time alerts.
The county is working closely with engineers, emergency management teams, and state agencies to align the new rules with federal standards, which would help maintain eligibility for disaster assistance programs and flood insurance under FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program.
While no final decisions were made at the meeting, commissioners stated that public input will play a key role in shaping the outcome. A series of public hearings is expected in the coming weeks to allow residents to voice their opinions and ask questions about the proposed changes.
As Liberty County continues to recover from recent weather events and prepares for future storms, officials say updating floodplain regulations is one of many steps needed to protect lives and property.