Kingsland damage is severe, officials promise help

During a media briefing Wednesday, state and local authorities said they will be asking for federal help to rebuild the Kingsland community. 

One of the biggest priorities is the Ranch Road 2900 bridge that was wiped out when the Llano River rose to almost 40 feet. 

County authorities said losing the bridge means first responders will have to remap routes to the Marble Falls hospital and it may take them 5 to 10 minutes longer to transport people because of that. 

Pieces of the bridge tumbled through the rain-swollen river Tuesday, showing the strength of the 40 foot tall raging river. 

“It’s unbelievable. I mean, it’s totally changed the lake,” said Mary Ann Liverman who has lived in Kingsland for decades. 

Authorities said they do not have a count of how many homes have been damaged, partially because there are many roads that cannot be accessed due to all the debris left behind. 

“We still have a lot of low-water crossings that are currently closed. Please don’t go through that water,” said Llano County Judge Mary Cunningham. 

Properties along the river that were once only grass are now covered in feet of sand. There are boats stuck in tree branches and boat docks that washed ashore from miles away. 

“There’s probably going to be a lot of people who don’t have the means to rebuild or fix their houses. That’s sad… I mean this is our town,” Liverman said. 

People who live within a quarter mile of the river faced mandatory evacuations Tuesday. 
As of right now, emergency officials ask those who evacuated not to return because they are worried about additional rainfall and the high potential flooding could happen again later this week. 

“We’re not out of the woods yet,” said U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R- Texas.

However, state and local authorities said there is help standing by and they promised federal and state resources will assist with rebuilding efforts. 

“Things are always the darkest right now, but they will be better as we move forward,” Williams said.  

“It’s just going to take a long time. I mean, there’s a lot of damage,” said Liverman.