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SMITHVILLE — A major drainage project in Smithville is now halfway complete, according to City Manager Robert Tamble, who briefed the community on its progress during a March meeting.
The 32-acre drainage ditch, approved by City Council, is part of a broader effort to provide flood relief to local residents, Tamble said. He emphasized that the project will not place an additional burden on taxpayers.
“This is part of a $13 million grant for four regional drainage improvement projects,” Tamble added. “That piece of property was purchased with those funds. This minimizes the impact on taxpayers, and it was phenomenal to be able to purchase and build this.”
The work includes detention ponds that will hold up to 10 million gallons of stormwater.
The pond on Loop 230 is expected to be completed in October, while another on Second Street is scheduled for completion in May.
During the same meeting, councilmembers also approved a contract with PHI Air Medical Transportation to provide emergency airlift services to all residents living within the city.
“This contract provides ‘no cost’ emergency medical air transport of citizens with life-threatening injuries or illnesses that reside within the Smithville city limits,” Tamble said.
The agreement, which costs the city $13,000 annually, translates to about $8.50 per household and is valid through April 30, 2026.
It covers all copays, deductibles and balances for residents with insurance, including Medicare recipients, according to the city manager. For uninsured residents, the plan pays in full. Medicaid recipients are covered through state reimbursements to PHI.
Tamble said residents also have the option to upgrade to a nationwide household membership for $30 per year, which extends air medical coverage beyond Bastrop County.
