Keller leaders paying attention to flooding issues

by Jim Carson of Keller City Limits

I awoke this morning to the sound of a helicopter. It turned out to be the Governor surveying my teenager’s bedroom.

I eagerly awaited his Declaration and the aid to follow. Alas, my hopes were dashed when word came that the Governor had declared the first-ever Hopeless Disaster Area.

On a serious note, though, Keller and the rest of North Texas has taken a soggy beating the last month, and some of our residents have the bruises to show for it. Mayor McGrail, City Manager Kevin Lahner, and Public Works Director Greg Dickens have spent much time talking to flooded residents—some who have been flooded more than once.

I joined them on a visit with some residents of Hidden Lakes who had some serious drainage issues. Greg was the star of the show because, as an engineer, he’s the one guy who actually knows how to solve the problems they are facing—I have newfound respect for him. The discussion was pretty wide-ranging and included demands that Keller accept responsibility for the mess. The mayor and I couldn’t do that even if we wanted to, but we are currently seeking solutions to the problem irrespective of who will end up paying for them.

There is much more to be learned and discussed, but this post is meant to point out that the city council’s priorities may need to change a bit in the near term.