HCFCD Issues Maintenance Update after Tax Increase
9/4/25 – Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) issued an update on its maintenance activity to Commissioners Court in a transmittal on 8/26/25. Without explaining exactly where (geographically) the money went, the 7-page overview details HCFCD’s increase in activity enabled by its November 2024 “Proposition A” maintenance tax.
The tax provides another $100 million annually dedicated to maintenance. See some of the highlights below.
Focus of Efforts To Date
To date, HCFCD has focused on three main things:
- Developing a Sustainable Infrastructure Practices Program
- Scaling maintenance programs while addressing a Deferred Maintenance Backlog and expanding Citizen Services
- Developing an Asset Management Program
It hopes to meet citizen’s maintenance expectations by Fiscal Year 2028.
Since the start of their “Major Repair and Replace” program, HCFCD has designed 65 projects, constructed 10, and completed two.
The number of “Moderate Repair and Replace” projects handled through “on-call contracts” increased from 3 to 11 so far this year. Spending on that program has nearly tripled from $2.7 million to $7.8 million.
New Equipment
HCFCD purchased $17 million of new equipment, including excavators, dozers, vehicles and chainsaws. The District has yet to take delivery of all the equipment but says, “This investment strengthens both preventive maintenance and repair efforts, allowing crews to work more efficiently and respond quickly to emerging needs.”
The District hopes to receive most of the equipment in Fiscal Year 2026.
Desilting Has Largest Percentage Increase, But…
In addition, HCFCD’s channel desilting efforts increased by 117%. Out of 2500 miles of channels in 23 watersheds, HCFCD went from desilting a total of 24.6 miles of channels to 53.5 miles. That’s a little more than 2% of the total mileage. But it is double the previous 1%.
The update does not address needed maintenance intervals. I hope that number increases. At that rate, it will take half a century before crews return to your channel.
Recruiting Challenge
Finding employees, especially equipment operators, to scale up operations has been challenging. Of the 54 new hires authorized by Commissioners Court, 22 positions have been filled and 11 offers are pending. “Recruiting has been challenging,” says the update. 24 job offers had to be withdrawn for various reasons.
Fast-Action Funding Grows by $330,000
Funding for HCFCD’s Fast Action Service Teams, which handle community concerns such as debris and fallen trees that block channels, has already increased from $1.04 million per year to $1.36 million per year.
New Computer System
To help run its Asset Management program, HCFCD is digitizing its computer systems and assets. The District hopes to complete and deploy a new Computerized Maintenance Management System by the end of 2026.
Consultant Search
HCFCD also is seeking a consultant to help scale its maintenance programs and address the backlog of deferred work. It hopes to conclude the review process, which started in May, by early Fall 2025.
Looking Ahead
HCFCD’s report concludes with these encouraging words. “The progress outlined in this report demonstrates the tangible benefits of sustained investment in maintenance and the significant return Proposition A has delivered for Harris County residents.”
“By combining new funding with strategic scaling of staff, equipment, and operational practices, the Flood Control District is rapidly addressing decades of deferred maintenance while laying the foundation for a proactive, resilient system.”
“As the Maintenance Matters program continues to grow, the Flood Control District remains committed to transparency, accountability, and community partnership. FY2026 will mark another year of historic investment, ensuring that Harris County’s flood risk reduction infrastructure is not only restored and maintained, but strengthened to serve future generations.”
For More Information or to File a Maintenance Request…
See the entire 7-page update here.
To file a service request, visit HCFCD.org.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 9/4/2025
2928 Days since Hurricane Harvey
