San Jacinto River Master Drainage Plan Draft Provides First Look at Final Report Due Out in August
On 7/23/2020, consultants for the San Jacinto River Basin Master Drainage Plan gave the SJRA Board and the public a first look at a draft of the plan. The final report is due out at the end of August. The draft shows the broad outline of the team’s efforts.
Draft Shows Broad Outline of Recommendations
It shows the types of recommendations they will make. However, this draft does not yet include specific recommendations as to prioritization of projects. Those will change before the final report. For instance, much of the draft focuses on upstream detention. But specific detention site recommendations have not yet been finalized.
Funding and Partners
Below are the key slides and a brief explanation of the main point behind each. This drainage study is 75% funded by a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant and 25% by four local partners: the SJRA, City of Houston, Harris County Flood Control, and Montgomery County.
Scope of Study


Heat Map Shows Where Most Damage Occurs

Goals and Methodology




Three Main Areas of Focus


Areas of Highest Potential for Mitigation


Mitigation Project Funding


Harmonizing Regulations Throughout Region

Some Problems May Only Be Solved Through Buyouts

Steps Still Not Completed

More Upstream Gages Needed to Eliminate Blind Spots

Ways to Improve Communication

Timetable for Remainder of Project


Every Little Bit Helps
I can’t wait to see this report in its final form. During the presentation, the presenter talked about reducing flooding downstream at the West Fork and I-45 by up to six feet if all upstream projects are implemented.
One thing to keep in mind: there is no single silver bullet that can solve the regions flood problems. All of these steps are additive. In my personal opinion, a foot here and a foot there can help offset future releases from Lake Conroe. People in the Lake Houston Area benefit from any and all upstream improvements.
Posted by Bob Rehak with thanks to SJRA and HCFCD
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