July 15 update: The latest on recovery efforts for Travis County deadly flooding

Travis County officials offer updates on flooding recovery efforts as they shift to more long-term strategies.

What residents should know

Travis County announced July 14 the opening of a temporary low-water crossing at the Sandy Creek Bridge, now open to two-way traffic. The crossing has been constructed parallel to the damaged bridge. Drivers are urged to use caution when crossing and to follow all posted signage.

The new crossing will also allow for larger debris removal vehicles to enter the community. The county began picking up flood debris from the affected areas July 14. Community members can refer to the “Debris Pickup” section of the Travis County recovery webpage to see the list of streets and debris placement guidelines.

CapMetro and Leander ISD are continuing regular shuttle services on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. to assist residents in the impacted area.

The shuttle will travel from Round Mountain Baptist Church to the Leander Park & Ride, H-E-B on Hero Way, and the Danielson Middle School resource site. Sandy Creek residents may also receive a CapMetro pass, granting access to all CapMetro services.

A burn ban remains in effect for northwest Travis County through Aug. 5, 2025. Outdoor burning is strictly prohibited. This is specifically for neighborhoods along Big Sandy Creek, Cow Creek and other low-lying areas near creeks.

Travis County Judge Andy Brown has updated an executive order that bans and prohibits all recreational use of the waterways in certain parts of Lake Travis due to hazards in the floodwaters. As of July 13 the ban applies to Lake Travis upstream of mile marker 36 and upstream of Sandy Creek Park. Areas of Lake Travis downstream of mile marker 36 remain open.

Recovery resources

Gov. Greg Abbott announced July 11 that the federal government has updated the presidential disaster declaration to include Travis and Williamson counties, which are now eligible for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, individual financial assistance.

Travis County officials encourage anyone affected by the recent floods to report damage at damage.tdem.texas.gov.

As of July 14, the county is currently standing at around $73 million in damages assessed thus far, a spokesperson for the county said, with that number likely to increase.

County commissioners approved an agreement July 15 with the Central Texas Community Foundation intended to distribute financial assistance directly to affected individuals and families.

The fund, to be known as the Travis County Cares, will manage the funding raised by the nonprofit, maintain donor records and oversee disbursements based on eligibility guidelines developed in collaboration with Travis County.

To ensure transparency and accountability, the county will provide disaster impact data, appoint a liaison to work with Central Texas Community Foundation staff, and help shape fair and effective distribution criteria, a news release states.

Contributions to the Travis County Cares Fund will be tax-deductible and used exclusively for relief within Travis County. Central Texas Community Foundation will withhold a 5% administrative fee from donations.

Those interested in contributing or learning more about the Travis County Cares can visit the donation website.

Additionally, Central Texas property owners may be eligible for a temporary disaster-related exemption to help lower their property taxes if their property was damaged during last week’s heavy rains and floods, according to Leana Mann, Travis Central Appraisal District chief appraiser.

To be eligible, a property must have suffered damage that totals a minimum of 15% of the property’s improvement value. This includes structures on the property, such as homes and buildings. The exemption benefit is determined by multiplying the property’s improvement value, after applying the assessment rating, by a fraction comprised of the days remaining in the tax year after the governor has declared a disaster, divided by 365.

Damage to landscaping or trees on a property cannot be included in determining eligibility for the exemption. The temporary exemption lasts until the property is reappraised.

The deadline to apply for a temporary exemption related to the floods is Oct. 20. Find more information on the TCAD website.

How to help

To better coordinate recovery efforts following recent flooding, Travis County has opened a Volunteer Reception Center.

The center, located at Plain Elementary School in Leander on 501 S. Brook Drive, will serve as a hub for organizing volunteers, reducing traffic in hard-hit neighborhoods and supporting both residents and emergency crews. It will operate Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with transportation to affected areas available until 2 p.m. daily.

No registration is required to volunteer, but those interested can browse opportunities and sign up online through the Austin Disaster Relief Network.

Quote of note

“I recognize that there are community members still struggling to piece their lives back together. No matter how long takes, Travis County will be there to help,” Travis County Judge Andy Brown said in a statement.