In this very first episode of Science Meets Society at UT Austin, we discussed the May 2015 flooding event that severely impacted Wimberley, Hays County, Houston, and many other surrounding areas across Central Texas and the U.S. Midwest. As population levels and development in these areas rises significantly, flash floods are becoming a more routine part the environmental conditions of these areas (impervious …
Troll Roads – Funding Mobility in Texas
Our shared roads are community wealth. Yet, the transportation system in Texas has been neglected for well over a decade. So the Department of Transportation has been borrowing, to the tune of $18 billion, in order to pay for new roads and maintenance (including toll-roads, which noticeably have been popping up all over Dallas, Austin, Houston, and many other areas). Toll …
Forest Service Responds to Bastrop Fires
More than 30 homes, structures destroyed by Bastrop co. fire “Evacuations: 30+ streets evacuated. See complete list. Shelters: Smithville Recreation Center. Pets may be taken to the Bastrop County Animal Shelter and large animals may be taken to the Bastrop Rodeo Arena. Update 5 p.m.: Fire now 25 percent contained and 34 structures destroyed (mostly homes). Update 2 p.m.: The number …