At a Wednesday morning press conference, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha declined to answer a question about delayed emergency alerts, saying that an "after-action" would follow the search and rescue efforts. "Those questions are gonna be answered," he added.

On a mission to bring closure to families, Kerrville towing company owner Brad Friedrichs has spent the last several days recovering bodies from a mile-long stretch along the river.

In the last nine years, federal funding for a system has been denied to the county as it contends with a tax base hostile to government overspending.

Plans to develop a flood monitoring system in the Texas county hit hardest by deadly floods were scheduled to begin only a few weeks later.

The historic deluge claims victims across Texas, including a member of the Hunt family and multiple young girls from North Texas.

Hundreds of people were rescued in the deadly flood that devastated Hill Country on July 4. Many towns were hit by the high waters especially Kerrville, Ingram and Hunt. In Kerrville the Fourth of July typically brings chaotic excitement as the community prepares for their annual concert and festival,

The Hunt Store was badly damaged by the Texas floods, but the owner vows to rebuild the landmark where Kinky Friedman and other music stars performed.

Kerr County officials say death toll has risen to 96 due to the Hill Country floods, including 60 adults and 36 children.