As Kerr County, Texas, continues to strengthen its resilience following recent flood events, a significant achievement for the region is underway: securing advanced flood-warning infrastructure to better protect communities along the Guadalupe River, the Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB) said on Feb. 20.
KPUB has been selected to receive $14,749,487 through the State of Texas’ Building the Texas Middle Mile Program, administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Broadband Development Office.
The award supports a coordinated regional partnership that enhances flood monitoring and emergency warning capabilities across Kerr County and surrounding communities.
The initiative is being advanced in collaboration with the Kerr Together Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG), the Upper Guadalupe River Authority (UGRA), the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), Kerr County, the City of Kerrville, the City of Ingram, Hill Country Telephone Cooperative (HCTC), and the Texas Department of Transportation.
“This grant represents a significant milestone for Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, and Kerr County,” said William Whitson, Senior Recovery Consultant with Kerr Together. “Not only will it expand broadband infrastructure, but it will also create a critical ‘electronic highway’ that will be the backbone of an advanced flood warning system. The awarding of this grant is a strong example of what is possible with close cooperation. This level of collaboration is unprecedented among government organizations, and partnerships made this big leap a reality.”
The new high-speed middle-mile network will connect stream flow sensors, rain gauges, weather monitoring stations, and Texas Department of Transportation bridge sensors to advanced flood forecasting systems in real time. By dramatically improving how quickly environmental data moves across the region, the upgraded system is expected to reduce flood data reporting intervals from approximately 30 minutes to as little as five minutes.
That acceleration enables earlier detection of dangerous conditions, faster coordination among emergency responders, and more timely public notification. The enhanced forecasting capability will allow emergency management teams and residents to respond more effectively, helping save lives and reduce property damage.
At the center of the initiative is the Upper Guadalupe River Authority, which will expand access to real-time information and initiate predictive flood modeling capabilities using the integrated data delivered through the upgraded communications network.
The project also includes enhancements to LCRA’s existing communications network, strengthening secure and reliable connectivity between monitoring equipment and emergency management systems.
“We are grateful for KPUB’s leadership and for this new partnership with LCRA,” said Bill Rector, UGRA Board President. “The communication network is vital to the successful operation of the flood warning system. The timing of this award will have an immediate effect on improving flood warnings for summer 2026.”
Rector added that the initiative reflects long-term stewardship of both the watershed and the communities it serves.
The project reflects months of coordination through the Kerr Together Long-Term Recovery Group, which has worked to align agencies and stakeholders around sustainable, forward-looking solutions following recent flood events.
“This investment is a meaningful step toward a safer and stronger future for Kerr County,” said Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hanock. “We’re not just expanding broadband access, we’re strengthening the tools and technology that will provide communities along the Guadalupe River with faster, more reliable warnings when severe weather threatens. This is about saving lives.”
KPUB serves as the lead applicant and will work with regional partners to construct and operate the communications infrastructure. Of the total funding, approximately $1.5 million will directly support KPUB’s portion of the project, including construction within KPUB’s 146-square-mile service territory. The remaining funds will support integrated partner components across the regional flood warning communications network.
The network will utilize a combination of fiber optic and wireless technologies to ensure rapid and resilient transmission of critical environmental data across the region.
The project must be completed no later than December 31, 2028, in accordance with program requirements. The State of Texas will maintain a state interest in project assets through August 31, 2035, ensuring long-term public benefit from the investment.
