Wednesday, Aug. 11, long-time Wallis resident Doris Jones finally returned to her property after the Texas General Land Office finished construction on her new house after the previous home flooded twice and sustained further damage during February’s Winter Storm Uri.

With property sitting alongside the mighty Brazos River, Jones has seen her fair share of catastrophic damage due to storms. James W. Turner Construction (JWTC) demolished the house that flooded during 2016’s Tax Day Floods and 2017’s Hurricane Harvey and built her a completely new one on the property behind the sewing shop she owns.

“I couldn’t believe water could do that (much damage),” Jones said. “We got 32 inches of water, everybody had to get out.”

Jones was told about the opportunity with the Texas GLO but said she was doubtful that any change would actually take place.

“I never believed it would happen,” admitted the 78-year-old seamstress. “(But the GLO) guided me through it, they told me what to do.”

Brittany Eck, Director of Communications for the GLO, said she was more than happy the GLO could help Jones.

“Our mission is to go into communities and rebuild homes. We bring them up to code, we make them ADA compliant,” said Eck. “The harder part is the application because we have to get all the documents that (the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development) HUD requires for eligibility. … Once we get through the paperwork, the homes actually go up pretty quickly.”

Ignacio Torres, Superintendent at JWTC, worked directly with Jones to plan and execute the construction of her new home.

“(JWTC) works with the GLO and different programs throughout the state of Texas to help homeowners like Ms. Doris upgrade their homes,” Torres said.

Although rain provided some roadblocks in the process, Torres said Jones made the process much easier and more enjoyable.

“She was one of the best homeowners that I’ve (worked with),” said Torres. “She likes to be real hands on, which makes it easier for me.”

Jones went from living in a damaged, 450-square-foot property to her brand-new, 1,310-square-foot house – which includes porches – that is raised seven feet on stilts to anticipate future flooding.

“This is the best house I’ve had since 1982,” said Jones after she toured her new house for the first time. “It’s a fresh new start.”

Beyond the aesthetic advantages of the new home, Eck reported that the GLO constructs houses that are, “more energy efficient. They are built very solidly. Our builders contract with the GLO, they’re all licensed, bonded and insured.”

Jones emphasized her thanks to the GLO and concluded by saying, “I’m overjoyed to be back here in my neighborhood so I can be back here around my neighbors.”