Senator Eckhardt Calls for Further Action on Flood Preparedness for Texas: “Our Work Is Not Done”

For Immediate Release: Contact:
August 18, 2025 Jeffrey Clemmons
214-244-6058 | Jeffrey.Clemmons@Senate.Texas.gov
SENATOR ECKHARDT CALLS FOR FURTHER ACTION ON FLOOD
PREPAREDNESS FOR TEXAS: “OUR WORK IS NOT DONE”
AUSTIN – Tonight, the Texas Senate advanced three bills in response to the Independence Day
floods that claimed the lives of more than 130 Texans. Together with forthcoming legislation on
Camp Mystic, these measures answer the Governor’s call for flood relief by:
● Establishing a clear chain of command during emergencies (SB 2)
● Expanding training for emergency officials and strengthening regulations (SB 2)
● Creating new warning systems in high-risk counties (SB 3)
● Delivering $294 million over two years for flood response funding (SB 5)
Senator Eckhardt—who as Travis County Judge led responses to disasters from the 2015 Memorial
Day floods to the COVID-19 pandemic—voted in support of each bill. She called the package “a
meaningful first step toward better preparedness for Texas,” but stressed they fall far short of the
comprehensive action urged by the Texas State Flood Plan released in December 2024. That
report indicates that 21% of Texas land and more than 2.4M Texans are within the 1% floodplain,
comprising areas at extreme risk of lethal flooding like that which occurred over the
Independence Day Weekend.
“Texas is the most flood-impacted state in the nation. We cannot keep reacting after tragedy
strikes. We must work proactively to prevent it—so those grieving now are not left to suffer in
vain.”
Sarah Eckhardt is the third-term Democratic State Senator representing District 14, comprising Austin and
surrounding areas. She serves on the Administration, Border Security, Nominations, and Veterans Affairs
committees in the 89th Legislative Session, and has previously served on the Water, Agriculture, & Rural
Affairs and Local Government committees. A proud UT Law and Public Affairs alum, Senator Eckhardt was
the first woman to serve as Travis County Judge from 2014-2020.