BEAUMONT, Texas — Relief is on the horizon for residents in Beaumont’s South End as the city moves forward with a $1.08 million drainage improvement project designed to reduce flooding and protect homes after years of storm-related anxiety.

The project, approved following the impacts of Tropical Storm Imelda, will rebuild ditches, replace failing culverts and help direct water away from neighborhoods along Phelps Road.

The Beaumont City Council voted on Nov. 4 to advance the long-awaited effort, which will be funded through a grant. The decision follows years of concerns from residents who submitted photos to the city showing the flooding they endured during Imelda.

Phelps Road resident Janet Polar said the community has waited a long time for action. “If we can wait 10 years for I-10,

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