All four commissioner precincts in San Augustine County continue to experience roadway flooding or severe damage from the continual rains experienced this Spring and early Summer.

 

During commissioners' court meeting Tuesday, the elected officials told of the issues they're going through that have cost more than $3.5 million so far.

 

A disaster declaration was issued by the court and application submitted for funding several weeks ago to hopefully assist with culvert and work material.

 

San Augustine County Judge Samye Johnson says the flooding has been substantial. 

 

"This has been a struggle for our commissioners and residents," Judge Johnson said.

 

"Commissioners have been working hard to make sure everyone can get to their homes. Some of the work they're doing, it rains more and they have to go back to redo. We (county) have to say we're proud of the work they're doing."

 

 

Judge Johnson said no resident in the county unable to leave or get to their home because of road conditions. Townsend Park was closed last weekend due to high water and could be shut-down for two months as Lake Sam Rayburn nears a record level.

 

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners accepted the resignation of Pct. 1 Constable Shannon Brezeal, who's leaving office to attend the DPS academy. No action was taken on a replacement. However, a candidate was present at the meeting. Current Shelby County Court Bailiff and retired Center Police Chief Walter Shofner, who resides in San Augustine County has applied for the constable's job.

 

San Augustine County Commissioners also approved Marsh Waterproofing of Vidor to begin work on replacement of the roof on the 1919 Jail as the restoration projects gets underway. The work is at no costs to the county as the San Augustine Garden Club is heading up the effort and fundraising.

 

It was reported there's $124,000 that has been contributed to the jail restoration fund. There's also a GoFundMe account established to assist.