Texas camp where floods killed 27 says it will reopen next year

The owners of Camp Mystic say they plan to partially reopen next summer the all-girls camp where 27 campers and counselors were killed during catastrophic floods that swept through the Texas Hill Country in July.

- HALLIE GOLDEN

DEBRIS litters Camp Mystic in July after flooding killed campers and counselors. Not all have been found.

ELI HARTMAN Associated Press

The area of the camp along the Guadalupe River that was destroyed by the floodwaters will not reopen next year, the owners said in a letter to Camp Mystic families, some of whom have criticized the nearly century-old camp over its safety measures and preparedness in wake of the tragedy. But another part of the camp that wasn't damaged will resume welcoming campers.

The letter was sent to families Monday, weeks after many of them stood behind Republican Gov. Greg Abbott as he signed tougher camp safety laws that prohibit cabins in dangerous parts of flood zones and require camp operators to develop detailed emergency plans, to train workers and to install and maintain emergency warning systems.

"As we work to finalize plans, we will do so in a way that is mindful of those we have lost," the letter said.