Labor Day flooding sends water into Galveston library for 3rd time
GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) -- People are still cleaning the mess left behind after flooding hit Galveston on Labor Day.
The island received nearly 10 inches of rain, causing street flooding throughout the city.
MORE: Water tops curbs as streets flood in historic Strand District
Several streets were closed, and it stranded cruise passengers.
The water also impacted several businesses, including the Rosenberg Library.
The library was closed on Labor Day. The library's executive director, John Augelli, found about the water Tuesday morning.
"I had a feeling they were calling...that we had some flooding here," Augelli said. "I was hoping it wasn't as bad as it was, but I had a feeling we might have some flooding."
The lower level is closed Tuesday as crews remove water. The damage comes a year after Hurricane Harvey sent water inside the library.
PREVENTION EFFORT: Business sandbags to try to keep floodwater out
The water also impacted businesses on The Strand, including the Admiralty. The owner said part of the blame was joyriding drivers.
"It's just infuriating, and I could see it all on my security cameras," owner Wendy Morgan said. "I know nobody intended to do that, they're just checking it out or they're just trying to get to where they're going, but I wish there was a better mechanism to keeping the streets barricaded."
Galveston officials said they're in the planning stages to address the flooding issue. The city is looking to spend millions on a water pump system.
"To be successful, of a city this size and the amount of runoff we get being a coastal geographic location, you have to be able to move swimming pools in a matter of minutes," Galveston Public Works director Kyle Hockersmith said.
Another issue: directing cruise passengers during a future flooding event.
On Labor Day, two cruise ships arrived as flooding began, stranding passengers for hours. Officials said they're re-evaluating evacuation plans and working with area agencies.
"We need to always look at lessons learned, how can we improve," Hockersmith said. I think that would be the right thing to do."
