The city says these funds will be used to repair the city's drainage and sewage systems and improve streets.
BEAUMONT, Texas — Drivers on Beaumont's MLK Parkway were in for a water-soaked surprise during their morning commute when a lift station pump failure caused the road to flood.
City crews have been installing temporary bypass pumps throughout the day while working on a permanent solution.
The flooding comes as the city is investing $88 million in infrastructure improvements as part of its 2024 Community Investment Plan.
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The city says these funds will be used to repair the city's drainage and sewage systems and improve streets.
“We appreciate that they considered this area for that amount.” [will be] We were building infrastructure,” Beaumont resident Jesse Richardson said.
Richardson has lived near Colliers Ferry Park for 60 years and said he was happy to learn that a new major raw water pumping station would be built nearby.
“This gives us a source of raw water off the coast of the Neches River, which is above the flood water line, which existed even during Harvey. It will greatly increase our ability to do this,” said Bart Bartkowiak, Beaumont Public Works Director.
Beaumont has invested more than $36 million in water projects.
“The city was founded in 1838, so there is a lot of older infrastructure within the city that needs attention,” Bartkowiak said.
$9.6 million goes down the drain. For example, we are spending $3.3 million to clean drainage ditches and their culverts.
“So if the slope is off by more than 3 inches, we can change the slope back to the original slope, which will keep all the water flowing into these outlets, so I We're excited,” Bartkowiak said.
$13 million is being put back into Beaumont's streets, including adding new pavement and gutter work to a section of 4th Street.
“Conditions were poor and very rough, but we're redoing the entire length of Fourth Avenue, so it's going to be a very nice driving experience,” Bartkowiak told 12News.
The city is also investing $1 million in additional sidewalks after receiving numerous concerns over the years.
“And we're going to build a sidewalk in front of Beaumont United,” Bartkowiak said.
Beaumont Mayor Roy West said the bill may seem large, but it is a major investment in the city's future.
“And it's not just one item, because water is important, sewers are important, drainage is important, streets are important. And if that's an issue for one of our residents… “When that happens, it’s a problem for us too,” he said.
