When it rains in West Texas, the flat desert around Odessa quickly turns into a soggy mess. Water pools on roads and sidewalks, causing flooding that locals have grown used to but don’t have an easy solution for. The damage is due to an outdated drainage system built back in the 1970s—one that simply can’t handle the rapid growth in population and development the area has seen.
Ector County officials recently took a big step to fix this problem. They approved a plan to upgrade the troubled drainage system. To get started, the county is hiring an engineering firm to study the city and map out what needs to be done. This initial study alone will cost $1.5 million, not including the future expenses for labor and construction. The county will work closely with the city of Odessa throughout the project.
Flooding is a growing issue across Texas and the U.S. Every county in Texas has faced flood-related disasters at least once. Since 1980, nine major flooding events alone have cost billions in damages. Even though the state has pushed for better flood planning, it’s tough to secure funding before disasters happen. Some federal programs that once helped pay for preventative measures were cut during the Trump administration. Now, local governments often have to front the money and hope to get reimbursed later through state or remaining federal grants.
“We can’t afford to do this on our own,” said Jeff Avery, Ector County’s public works director. The new plan will help the county apply for grants to cover costs.
The county started working on updating its drainage system about a year and a half ago after getting numerous calls from concerned residents. First, they requested bids from engineering firms to help design a detailed plan. Once completed, that plan will estimate the full price of fixing the drainage. It will also help the county apply for grants and possible reimbursements.
One important feature of the planned upgrade is building retention ponds. These ponds can hold large amounts of rainwater and reduce flooding. But before that happens, the county needs to study which areas flood the most and how water flows through the region. That process could take up to two years, and the full upgrade will take several more years to complete.
Flood planning is tough, especially in smaller communities. County officials don’t have the authority to force cities to include flood prevention in their projects. This often leaves towns vulnerable if a big storm hits. On top of that, disagreements between cities and counties over land use and building projects can slow down progress. Applying for grants also means dealing with lots of paperwork and rules, which can be frustrating.
It’s easier to get funding after a disaster than before one. But there have been positive changes. Local governments in Texas now have to join regional flood planning groups, which provide support and coordination. The Texas General Land Office also encourages local leaders to apply for hazard mitigation programs that help pay for disaster planning.
Still, many Texas counties don’t have hazard mitigation plans in place. These plans help prepare for flooding and other dangers. Counties that qualify can get between $20,000 and $100,000 in assistance, with applications due by December 2025.
Locals are hopeful about the new plan. Julia Cole, who lives in West Odessa, said her neighborhood floods several times a year. “Once the water collects, there are no clear ways out,” she said. “It makes me anxious every time it rains.”
Ector County’s effort to update their drainage system shows they’re ready to tackle a problem that has long frustrated residents. Though the road ahead won’t be easy or cheap, the community is moving forward with a plan to keep their homes and streets safer during the next big rain.