WACO, Texas — Since 6 News shared a story regarding major flooding behind a neighborhood in Waco, the City of Waco and the City of McGregor explained to 6 News what's being done to fix the problem.
On the weekend of April 27, the Waco area and most of Central Texas endured severe weather. With that weather came heavy rainfall. Resident Monique Duquette says when it rains, it floods her backyard and it's been a problem on Sunrise Lane since 2021.
"We get water, excessive water flow from the McGregor side behind our property, and so it comes alongside our property," Duquette said. "It's just a heavy flow. It's like a rushing river."
Just feet away from Duquette's home is the McGregor Airport. Bosque Lane divides the city limits of McGregor and Waco. A McGregor spokesperson told 6 News this has been one of the issues over the last few years because neither city can decide who is directly responsible for the flooding.
Through all of the back and forth, it's the homeowners left to pay for the damage the flooding causes.
"We did end up having to replace this whole side fence and then tried putting up metal barriers and stuff but the water rush is so hard and fast that that doesn't do it," Duquette added. "So we've already spent hundreds of dollars trying to take care of the problem ourselves and we couldn't do it."
The City of Waco took responsibility for this issue.
Waco Public Works director Amy Burlarley-Hyland had this to say when asked about the flooding and poor drainage:
The City has completed a regional drainage study that includes the drainage basin containing Sunrise Lane. The study modeled existing stormwater flows and drainage patterns. The study also identified potential preliminary solutions to alleviate the flooding concerns and improve drainage conveyance in this area. City Council recently approved a contract with a local engineering firm to move forward with surveying and design outlined in the study.
Duquette told 6 News she's heard that statement before so she hopes something is finally done soon.
"I'm here for action now," Duquette explained. "It's been three years and the potential damage to our property which should be my safety zone is at risk now."
The City of McGregor representative also added that they are willing to work with Waco officials to resolve this flooding issue and create a better-functioning drainage system.
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