The San Angelo City Council is set to address several items related to flood recovery, housing, and future mitigation planning during its regular meeting Tuesday, following the July 4 flood that caused widespread damage to homes and businesses across the city.
$2 Million in Flood Recovery Funding Through COSADC
The agenda includes two resolutions totaling $2 million in recovery funding through the City of San Angelo Development Corporation (COSADC). One measure, listed under the consent agenda, would allocate up to $1 million in assistance for residential properties within the designated flood area.
The project would be administered by Galilee Community Development Corporation, a local nonprofit currently coordinating storm recovery efforts with numerous volunteer groups.
Galilee will oversee repairs to eligible properties under the Affordable Housing Program. These homes, many in lower-income neighborhoods, experienced significant damage.
City staff noted Galilee’s familiarity with program requirements and its role in ongoing cleanup make it the logical choice for administering recovery funds. While the full financial impact is still being assessed, staff recommends approval to expedite the funding process, emphasizing that COSADC funds should fill gaps not covered by other sources.
A companion item would provide up to $1 million in relief to businesses affected by the same flooding event.
Many commercial properties within the flood zone experienced structural damage, and additional businesses may still come forward as assessments continue. The business assistance would likely follow the framework of COSADC’s Business Retention and Expansion Program, requiring each applicant to be evaluated individually and enter into a formal economic development agreement with the city.
Waiver of Building Permit Fees for Flood-Damaged Properties
Council members will also consider a waiver of building permit fees for residential and commercial properties that sustained enough damage to trigger permits under city-adopted International Building, Residential, Mechanical, Electrical, or Plumbing Codes.
Staff estimates the city could lose approximately $20,000 in revenue from the waiver, which covers the cost of plan reviews and inspections. However, many properties may not require permits if structural components were not affected.
Applying for Federal Assistance: Emergency Watershed Protection Program
On the regular agenda, the council will discuss authorizing city staff to apply to the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Emergency Watershed Protection Program. The program offers federal assistance for two categories of projects: voluntary buyouts of flood-prone properties (EWP Buyout) and infrastructure protection efforts (EWP Armoring).
The city is considering buyouts for properties located in floodways and floodplains, especially those deemed unsafe or repeatedly damaged. If approved, the program could fund up to 75 percent of project costs, with the city covering the remainder through its General Fund, Stormwater Fund, or other sources as directed by Council.
Staff cited the need for a long-term strategy to reduce public safety risks and support future development planning in high-risk flood zones. Properties acquired under the buyout program could be repurposed for community use, such as detention basins or flood mitigation parks. The city must submit a formal letter of request to begin the application and site evaluation process.
Grant to Update Hazard Mitigation Plan
In response to both the July 4 flood and to maintain future eligibility for disaster assistance, the council will consider accepting a $100,000 grant from the Texas General Land Office to update the Tom Green County/City of San Angelo Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Action Plan. The current plan, adopted in 2020, expired in July 2025. Without an updated FEMA-approved plan, the city would no longer qualify for Hazard Mitigation Grants to address major threats like flooding, wildfires, or tornadoes.
Contract Award for Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
A related item would award a $68,250 contract to H2O Partners, the firm that developed the previous plan. According to city staff, the firm was selected through a competitive process and is experienced in creating FEMA-compliant hazard mitigation strategies nationwide. The grant funding requires no local match, and the planning process will involve input from stakeholders, public meetings, and FEMA review before formal adoption.
Budget Amendment Related to Flood Recovery
Finally, the council is expected to vote on a budget amendment for the 2024–2025 fiscal year. The amendment includes adjustments related to flood response, insurance claims, COSADC recovery projects, and general fund allocations tied to recent emergencies.
Meeting Details
The San Angelo City Council will hold a regular meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at the McNease Convention Center South Meeting Room, 501 Rio Concho Drive. The meeting is open to the public.
DaLeesa Quain is a journalist with a background in pre-nursing from Angelo State University, who brings a diverse and grounded perspective to her storytelling. She lives in Menard with her family, and covers local government and other subjects for the Concho Observer.
