Hurricane season isn't over yet, and with cuts to the National Weather Service and uncertainty around the future of FEMA, now is the time for local government to amplify its response efforts during disasters. Harris County residents know that it's not a matter of if but when the next hurricane, ice storm, or flood will strike.
Commissioner Lesley Briones successfully advocated for robust investments in disaster preparedness and response capabilities. On September 24, Commissioners Court voted to approve a budget that makes a $251 million investment in the Harris County Flood Control District, bolstering disaster response.
These funds include strategic investments in managing our flood warning system and deploying new flood maintenance funds to better protect families, homes, and businesses. Commissioner Briones also safeguarded the crucial "Rainy Day Fund," which allows the County to respond rapidly when natural disasters strike -- before State and Federal assistance arrives.
A critical component of disaster response is debris removal, and Harris County Precincts' Road and Bridge teams lead this effort on the ground. In 2024, Precinct 4's Road & Bridge team members removed more than 13,000 dump trucks worth of debris after Hurricane Beryl and the derecho, demonstrating the real-world impact of these strategic investments.
What does the team do?
The Road & Bridge team comprises approximately 150 full-time employees stationed in the Tomball, Katy, and Hockley Service Centers. They are responsible for maintaining over 1,600 miles of roads and nearly four miles of bridges, as well as 62 parks and 10 community centers within Precinct 4, with a focus on repairs, infrastructure, and flood mitigation efforts.
The team consists of heavy machinery operators, welders, mechanics, two HVAC mechanics, and herbicide applicators. All members are commercial drivers and certified in CPR, first aid, and have FEMA training.
Their work includes patching asphalt, repairing curbs and shoulders, clearing storm debris, and improving storm drainage systems — among many other tasks — to enhance community safety, resilience, and overall quality of life.
“We need to make sure that if we need them, they are ready to go,” said Walter Hambrick, Precinct 4’s Director of Road and Bridge.
The role of R&B after a disaster
When disaster strikes, whether it’s a hurricane, snow and ice from a winter storm, or high winds that bring down trees and power lines, the Road & Bridge team is among the first on the scene. Their top priority is to clear debris and reopen blocked roads so emergency responders can reach neighborhoods quickly, especially where seniors, families, and vulnerable residents may need urgent help.
Following Hurricane Beryl, Precinct 4 strengthened its response by adding six high-capacity debris trucks to its fleet. Each truck can carry up to 40 cubic yards of debris and is designed to load and haul at the same time, speeding up cleanup efforts. The Precinct also acquired two refrigerated box trucks to store food and ice for community distribution, along with two portable, diesel-efficient generators to support critical infrastructure during outages.
You are part of the team
The Road & Bridge team plays a critical role in disaster response, and your support can make a big difference. Whether it’s before, during, or after a storm, here are some helpful tips from the team on how you can stay safe and lend a hand:
- Be prepared to have a 7-day supply of food and water on hand.
- Create an evacuation plan.
- Gather essential documents and place them in a waterproof bag.