Kerrville Area Chamber launches business recovery fund after flood

The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce launched a rebuilding fund Saturday to help local businesses recover from the catastrophic flood that killed 43 people and devastated the Hill Country community.

The Kerrville Area Rebuilding and Recovery Fund will provide assistance for repairs, façade improvements, signage, utility bills and gap funding for Chamber members whose businesses suffered flood damage.

“We know Kerrville and Kerr County are resilient,” said Mindy Wendele, president of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce. “This fund is a way for both locals and supporters beyond our region to contribute to rebuilding the heart of our community.”

The fund targets businesses affected by Friday’s historic flooding, which sent the Guadalupe River to 147,000 cubic feet per second and destroyed infrastructure throughout the region. Dozens of people remain missing as search operations continue along the river corridor.

Chamber officials said they will manage all contributions with full transparency and accountability through the Chamber’s board of directors. The organization serves more than 800 members and promotes economic development in Kerrville and surrounding areas.

Donations can be made online through the Chamber’s website at kerrvillechamber.biz. Contributors can also mail checks payable to “Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation – Kerrville Rebuilding and Recovery Fund” to 1700 Sidney Baker Street, Kerrville, Texas 78028.

All contributions are tax-deductible, Chamber officials said.

The business recovery fund joins several other relief efforts mobilizing to help flood victims. The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country established the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, while the Uvalde Foundation for Kids launched an emergency campaign seeking volunteers and donations.

Gov. Greg Abbott signed a disaster declaration Friday covering nine counties and providing “limitless” state resources for recovery efforts. The declaration enables state funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures and other disaster relief activities.

The flood ranks among the deadliest in Texas history, with water levels reaching the second-highest on record. The 1932 flood remains the highest at 196,000 cubic feet per second, while the famous 1987 flood reached 141,000 cfs.

Hundreds of first responders continue searching for survivors and victims along a 30-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River. Officials completed a primary search of 100 meters on either side of the river from Camp Mystic through Hunt and Ingram.

For more information about the business recovery fund, contact the Chamber at 830-896-1155 or visit kerrvillechamber.biz.