Drought conditions are killing East Texas trees and causing problems for area roadways.

Bowie County Commissioners are declaring a "Local State of Disaster."

"Once the trees fall across the road, it could hours before an emergency vehicle can get to a house on fire or someone needing an ambulance," said Judge Sterling Lacy.

They're hoping to receive state grant money to remove the hundreds of dead trees from the county roadways.

County officials say the are about 1,500 dead trees which include Oak, Sweet Gum, Pine and Ash.

They range from 15 inches to 36 inches in diameter.

Bowie County Judge Sterling Lacy held an emergency session to authoritize a local state of disaster for the county.

Officials estimate it's going to cost about $1,000,000 to remove the hazardous dead trees.

The Bowie County Judges office is planning to request disaster assistance from Governor Rick Perry's office as soon as possible.