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Polkad County Dam Evacuation Extended Amid Structural Damage Concerns

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 14:09 GMT by Houston Public Media

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Evacuation Remains in Effect as Polkad County Dam Damage Compounds Flood Concerns

The evacuation orders for communities surrounding the Polkad County dam remain in force as state and local officials continue to assess the extent of damage and the potential for downstream flooding. The warning, first issued in late October, has been extended after a thorough inspection revealed structural issues that could jeopardize the integrity of the dam and the safety of nearby residents. The situation underscores the broader challenges faced by aging infrastructure across Texas and the urgent need for preventive maintenance and emergency preparedness.

The Dam and Its Importance

The Polkad County dam, situated on the Trinity River near the town of Maplewood, has been a critical component of regional flood control for more than half a century. Designed to regulate water flow and protect the surrounding farmlands and residential neighborhoods, the dam’s reservoir holds approximately 1.3 million acre‑feet of water. When the Trinity River swells during heavy rain events, the dam is meant to release water in a controlled manner, preventing catastrophic downstream flooding.

According to a technical assessment released by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) on November 6, the dam’s spillway and downstream spillway gates exhibited signs of wear and corrosion. The inspection team, comprising engineers from TxDOT and the Texas Water Resources Board (TWRB), noted that concrete erosion had progressed to a depth of 3–4 inches along critical structural members. This erosion, coupled with a 12‑month period of stagnant water, has compromised the dam’s ability to withstand the current water pressures.

Immediate Response and Ongoing Evacuation

The evacuation order, first announced on October 25, initially covered residents within a 12‑mile radius of the dam. After the inspection report was released, Governor Keiser’s Office confirmed the decision to extend the evacuation zone until a full structural assessment could be completed. The Texas Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) deployed 120 personnel to the area to aid in relocation logistics, provide shelter services, and monitor environmental conditions.

Local emergency managers have set up temporary housing facilities in the high school gymnasium and the town’s community center, both of which were deemed safe due to their distance from the spillway. Evacuees are receiving daily meal kits and are encouraged to stay within the designated zones until the dam’s status is confirmed. The Texas National Guard is on standby, prepared to provide additional support if a breach occurs.

Community Impact and Economic Considerations

The prolonged evacuation has placed significant strain on Maplewood’s economy. Small businesses that rely on the dam’s irrigation systems are experiencing crop losses, while the nearby maple orchards report a 25‑percent reduction in yield due to water shortages. The local school district’s financial report indicates a $500,000 budget shortfall, largely attributable to emergency expenses and the loss of revenue from hosting community events that were cancelled.

“We’re in a difficult position,” said Maplewood Mayor Sara L. Thompson. “Our residents are safe, but the long‑term economic consequences could be devastating if we don’t secure a permanent solution quickly.” The mayor’s office has called for state and federal assistance to repair the dam, citing the importance of restoring normal agricultural operations and ensuring residents can return home.

Links to Broader Infrastructure Challenges

The Polkad County dam incident is part of a wider pattern of infrastructure concerns across Texas. A recent report from the Texas State Senate Committee on Public Safety highlighted that 37 percent of the state’s 3,200 dams are classified as “structurally deficient” or “functionally deficient.” Among the list, the Waco Dam, the San Antonio Dam, and the Dallas Water Works Dam were also flagged for urgent repairs.

The Texas Water Resources Board has issued a statement urging all counties to conduct routine inspections and allocate funding for dam maintenance. In addition, the United States Army Corps of Engineers has issued guidance on emergency planning and the use of technology to monitor dam integrity. These measures come at a time when climate projections indicate an increase in the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, which could overwhelm existing flood control systems.

Looking Ahead: Repair Plans and Policy Initiatives

TxDOT officials have outlined a phased repair plan for the Polkad County dam. Phase one involves the immediate reinforcement of spillway gates using high‑strength concrete and the application of corrosion‑resistant coatings. Phase two, scheduled for late December, will involve a comprehensive overhaul of the dam’s hydraulic controls and the installation of new monitoring sensors. The projected cost of the entire project is estimated at $8.7 million, with $4.2 million expected from federal grants under the American Rescue Plan Act.

Meanwhile, the Governor’s Office has announced a new “Resilient Infrastructure Initiative” aimed at accelerating the assessment and repair of critical water control structures across the state. The initiative seeks to streamline funding mechanisms and reduce bureaucratic hurdles that have historically delayed repairs. “We cannot afford to wait for the next crisis to act,” Governor Keiser stated. “Investing in our infrastructure today will protect millions of residents tomorrow.”

Conclusion

The extended evacuation order surrounding the Polkad County dam reflects a cautious approach to public safety in the face of significant structural concerns. While the damage assessment continues, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within Texas’s aging dam infrastructure. The coordination among state agencies, local officials, and federal partners highlights the importance of rapid response and long‑term planning. As repairs move forward, the community’s resilience and the state’s commitment to infrastructure renewal will be put to the test.