BEAUMONT, Texas — Drivers on MLK Parkway in Beaumont got a soggy surprise during their morning commute after a pump failure at a lift station caused the road to flood.
A city crew has been installing temporary bypass pumps all day while they work on a permanent solution.
This flooding comes as the city is investing $88 million to improve infrastructure, as part of their 2024 Community Investment Plan.
The city says these funds will go towards fixing the city drainage, waste water systems as well as making street improvements.
"I'm grateful they have considered this area, for that money [will be] used to build up our infrastructure," said Jesse Richardson, a Beaumont resident.
Richardson has lived near Collier's Ferry Park for 60 years, and says he's glad to learn a new main raw water pump station will be built nearby.
"It gives us a raw water source off the Neches River. That is above the flood level line. That existed during Harvey. So it gives us a much greater ability to preserve our water supply to the citizens, during periods of extreme drought," said Beaumont Director of Public Works Bart Bartkowiak.
Beaumont is investing over $36 million into water projects.
"The city was formed in 1838 so we've got a lot of old infrastructure within the city that does need attention," said Bartkowiak.
$9.6 million will go into drainage. For example spending $3.3 million to clean drainage ditches and their culverts.
"So it'll put it back on grade, if it's 3 inches or more out of grade. So we're excited because this will maintain, and keep all our water flowing to those outfalls," Bartkowiak said.
$13 million is being put back into Beaumont's streets, like adding new pavement and gutter work to parts of 4th Street.
"That was in bad condition, it was very rough and we're redoing the entire length of 4th Street so it'll be a very nice driving experience," Bartkowiak told 12News.
The city is also investing $1 million into adding sidewalks, after they've received a number of concerns over the years.
"And we're going to build the sidewalks down in front of Beaumont United," Bartkowiak said.
Beaumont Mayor Roy West says the bill may seem big, but it's a big investment in the city's future.
"And so it's not just one item. Because waters important, sewers important, drainage is important, streets are important, and when it's a problem for you one of our residents, it's a problem for us," he said.