FEMA DENIES BRENHAM’S REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF STORM REPAIRS

  

Brenham is at odds with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, concerning repairs caused by heavy flooding in 2016.

FEMA has denied the city’s request to reimburse repairs for the damage that was caused in May 2016’s storms.  Brenham has already spent over $1 million for repairs on several streets, including Burleson and Jefferson Streets at Higgins Branch, and Industrial Boulevard.

The heavy flooding in May 2016 brought down over 20 inches of rain on Washington County in less than 18 hours, damaging said streets.

Brenham’s City Council deemed the street repairs as “emergencies” at the time, starting work on repairs before FEMA had decided on reimbursing the city.  FEMA did pitch in for repairs on Barbee Street, paying around 75% of the total $180,000 repair cost.

City engineers have claimed that FEMA denied assistance for the Burleson Street project because they cited “lack of maintenance” at the street crossing.  The city is appealing the agency’s decisions on Burleson Street and Industrial Boulevard, and is also working with a consultant for Jefferson Street repairs.

The Brenham City Council approved a resolution in October 2017, saying the city is prepared to issue up to $1.5 million in debt, if FEMA denied its claims.