San Angelo Officials Detail Flood Recovery Efforts, Urge Residents to Report Damage

SAN ANGELO, TX — Local and state officials on Monday asked San Angelo and Tom Green County residents to report flood damage promptly as recovery operations continue following devastating floods over the July Fourth weekend.

At a press conference, Tom Green County Judge Lane Carter said disaster declarations were filed early on July 4, enabling the county and cities to begin the process of seeking state and federal aid. Carter noted that FM 765 remains the only county road impassable, though debris remains a hazard across other routes, especially near Navajo Path where swift-water rescues occurred.

State Rep. Drew Darby said Texas resources have been deployed to support local response and encouraged residents to complete damage surveys. “It’s important that we learn from this,” Darby said, adding that he plans to push for improved early-warning systems during the Legislature’s upcoming special session.

San Angelo Mayor Tom Thompson praised the city’s emergency response and volunteerism. Thompson said about 658 individuals have received assistance, with 115 families placed in temporary housing.

San Angelo Police Chief Travis Griffith reported nearly 1,500 calls for service since the flooding began, including about 200 fire department calls and 16 life-saving rescues. “San Angelo, at its worst, was really functioning at its best,” Griffith said. 

Police reported one major incident during the flooding response — a robbery in the past 48 hours that remains under investigation.

Emergency Management Coordinator Jose Rivera said comprehensive damage assessments are underway to qualify for federal assistance. Officials urged residents to complete the online Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) survey at sanangelo.gov/July4. As of Monday, only 85 surveys had been submitted. 

The Disaster Resource Center at PaulAnn Baptist Church, 2531 Smith Blvd., remains open daily this week from noon to 6 p.m. to help residents complete surveys and access services including shelter, supplies, and mental health support. Officials requested monetary donations rather than clothing, directing contributions to the San Angelo Area Foundation’s disaster relief fund.

Public Works Director Shane Kelton said San Angelo plans to sign a contract for debris removal worth up to $1 million and a $350,000 monitoring contract required by FEMA. Preliminary costs to the city include $375,000 in labor and $150,000 in equipment expenses.

Republic Services has resumed normal trash collection routes, though recycling and bulk services remain suspended for the week. The landfill will reopen Tuesday at 7 a.m. for commercial and residential use, though residents are encouraged to leave storm debris at the curb for pickup rather than hauling it themselves.

Officials warned that fully clearing debris may take 90 to 120 days, with broader recovery expected to extend far longer. A follow-up press conference is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday.