4/1/25 – In their 3/27/25 meeting, Harris County Commissioners wrestled for more than an hour with a massive, $100 million drainage funding shortfall. But $100 million may not come close to solving drainage problems in the county’s subdivisions.
Also very worrying, Commissioners have had a hard time getting data that will tell them exactly where they stand financially and let them prioritize remaining projects.
As a result, Commissioners ordered the Flood Control District and Engineering Department to return to Commissioners Court on May 8, 2025 with detailed lists of projects and their Equity Prioritization Index Scores.
Insiders at the County Courthouse say it would be too politically explosive to cancel any projects promised to voters in the 2018 Flood Bond. So, they are likely to just put projects in more affluent areas on indefinite hold, exposing them to higher flood risk for years.
Another Rambling, Disjointed Debate
Emotions got heated during the hour-long discussion as each commissioner made a case for why projects in his/her precinct should not be cut.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey P.E. talked about the larger percentage of unincorporated Harris County he must support compared to other precincts. He also pointed out that he already used $100 million from his own budget to push through needed subdivision drainage projects.
And Ramsey complained about problems with the equity formula used by Flood Control and Engineering to prioritize projects. Specifically, he mentioned Barrett Station, a low-income area in Precinct 3 that was deprived of funding.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia focused on “historical discrimination,” the County’s Equity Prioritization Index, and the highly populated areas they serve compared to outlying areas.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Leslie Briones literally talked about “getting hosed.” Her precinct received far less funding than others.
The discussion had all the charm of wolves crowding around a campfire, baring their teeth to see who will get the last scraps of meat.
Data Disaster Also At Core of Discussion
A shortage of reliable, consolidated data about subdivision drainage projects has frustrated commissioners as they seek to debate the priority of projects.
One of the motions considered during the debate on Item 28 last Thursday was integrating the county’s various financial systems. Currently, data about these projects exists on at least three different software platforms according to another county insider.
Subdivision Drainage Projects a Political Football
Voters approved a group of subdivision drainage projects totaling a little more than $425 million as part of the 2018 Flood Bond. Out of that total, the county designated $111 million in local matching funds to attract $315 million in partner funding from local municipalities.
However, over time the Subdivision Drainage Improvement costs escalated to an estimated $832 million due to inflation and the addition of projects. At the same time, not all the partnership funds materialized as expected.
So the county created a Flood Resilience Trust with surplus Harris County Toll Road (HCTRA) funds. The County also reallocated some funds from the 2015 Road Bond.
Because using Road Bond and HCTRA funding required link to transportation, at some point, Commissioners moved subdivision drainage projects from Flood Control to Engineering.
But now, some of the projects are moving back to Flood Control, because Flood Control may be able to cancel some of its projects, freeing up some money on that side of the fence. Can you say “Shell Game”?
The County Administrator’s Office compiled this 11-page outline showing how projects were moved, added, deleted or had their funding sources change over time and why. Reading it will also help you understand why Commissioners are demanding to know how much money they have to work with.
No commissioner wants to find a pet project at the end of the line when the money runs out.
Motions Approved
After an hour of discussion, Commissioners voted on and approved four motions designed to give them greater insight into where each of the subdivision drainage projects stands. In summary, the motions direct:
All relevant departments to fill the previously identified funding gap of approximately $99 million for Subdivision Drainage projects out of a group of 57 projects (identified in 2023) with a Prioritization Framework rating of 7.4 or higher using:
$50,000,000 from the Flood Control District of 2018 Flood Bond Program funds originally allocated as matching funds for the home buyout program that are no longer needed;
$30,000,000 from the Flood Control District of 2018 Flood Bond Program funds originally allocated for major maintenance projects that have alternative funding sources identified;
$19,000,000 from interest earned on METRO fund cash balance; and
$14,200,000 of Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) grant funds for projects that meet the eligible use requirements.
The County Administrator to work with all relevant departments to develop any longer-term options and recommendations that may be needed regarding the funding and management of the 2018 Flood Bond Program and the Subdivision Drainage Program. Target date: May 8, 2025.
All relevant departments to develop a standard reporting framework for the Subdivision Drainage Program and the 2018 Flood Bond Program to ensure Commissioners Court can easily see at a minimum:
Status of each project
Expected time to completion
How cost has changed over time
Whether there was a change in scope
Sources of funding
The County Administrator and Universal Services to improve the county’s electronic financial reporting by consolidating several software systems into one.
Here is an AI-based transcript of the discussion from a private service that I subscribe to. Warning: it has 98% accuracy, higher than county’s transcript which sometimes omits whole sections of the dialog. If something sounds off, check it against the video.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/1/25
2772 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/20250401-Commissioners-Court-3.27.25.jpg?fit=1100%2C617&ssl=16171100adminadmin2025-04-01 19:51:262025-06-08 18:52:35Harris County Commissioners Wrestle with $100 Million Drainage Funding Shortfall
3/31/25 – In the first two parts of this “Wastelands to Wetlands” series, I presented a vision for restoration of the San Jacinto West Fork and listed all the various parties who have an interest in the effort and could help. But how do you coordinate them? Who would take responsibility/authority for ensuring restoration? And how would you measure their success? That is the focus of this post.
My purpose is to start a dialogue that gets people moving in the direction of a solution. I don’t claim to have all the answers. Nor do I believe that this is the only way to get to a solution.
Need for Leader to Guide Restoration
Right now, no group or leader exists for such an effort. But restoration will never happen unless someone takes the initiative (or has the responsibility) to turn ideas into action.
In business, I learned that if you put two people in charge of a project, no one is in charge. Right now, we have more than a dozen groups theoretically in charge of permitting various aspects of restoration. But none is in charge of oversight and coordination. That’s a problem.
Do We Use Existing Group or Start New One?
Several contenders for the job already exist. But do they have the knowledge, skills, funding and desire to take on the additional work?
The San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) theoretically has the authority. And they have established a flood management division. But do they have the desire to take on the environmental restoration job? They architected a massive Master Drainage Plan for the entire river basin. But after more than four years, they have yet to implement one recommendation from it. SJRA seems focused on capturing water in Lake Conroe and selling it.
Further downstream, the Coastal Water Authority has the responsibility for managing Lake Houston. But no one has given them responsibility for fixing upstream issues between the two lakes that pollute their water.
Unless one of these two groups accepts restoration as a mission and dedicates the resources to achieving it, we need to create another authority responsible for the area between Lake Conroe and Lake Houston – a West Fork Restoration Authority.
Mission Defined
Their mission: turn wastelands into wetlands. How? 1) Restore abandoned mines using a combination of grants and matching funds dedicated to the effort by the state legislature. 2) Monitor active mines to ensure they comply with their abandonment plans when the time comes. 3) Coordinate the efforts of all affected parties to ensure they are additive and contribute to the long-range plan over time.
Creating such an authority would require action by the state legislature in 2027. It’s too late for this session.
Board Structure
A board appointed by the governor and affected parties, such as the City of Houston, Montgomery County, the mining industry, and residents, could manage the West Fork Restoration Authority.
Suggested Success Metrics
How would they measure success? Here’s a list of major needs, metrics, and milestones.
A) Completion of business plan
B) Acquisition of staff
C) Completion of engineering study
D) Design of solution and component parts
E) Costs estimates
F) Publication of long-term plan with stages/tasks outlined
G) Successful grant applications, funds raised
H) Permits obtained
I) Acres revegetated
J) Linear feet of trails installed
K) Reduction of erosion
L) Water-quality improvements
M) Publication of quarterly and annual progress reports
N) Creation of case study that communicates knowledge gained to guide similar efforts elsewhere
Time Limited
The State’s Sunset Commission would review the Restoration Authority at regular intervals (currently 12 years) and dissolve it after completion of its job or for lack of progress.
Need
Do we need such an Authority? In my opinion, YES! The economic future of the region depends on eliminating the blight that contributes to flooding. The West Fork has:
Approximately 20 square miles of sand mines, many abandoned, between Lake Houston and I-45
Become completely blocked in some areas
Broken through the dikes of at least five sand mines.
Hallett Mine on West Fork. Picture taken March 19, 2025.Pit in foreground has been captured by river, cutting off normal channel to right.
We need the area’s elected leaders to work together to restore the West Fork as mines like the one above play out and the miners move on to other areas.
We need their help in turning Wastelands into Wetlands. Otherwise, the next generation will be stuck with the situation below.
Confluence of Spring Creek (left) and West Fork (right) with its 20 square miles of sand mines. Photo taken in January 2025
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/31/25
2771 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20250319-DJI_20250319102634_0380_D.jpg?fit=1100%2C619&ssl=16191100adminadmin2025-03-31 15:26:012025-03-31 15:27:27Wastelands to Wetlands, Part III: Turning Ideas into Action
West Fork Sand Mine illustrates need for vegetative controls to reduce erosion.
The idea: create a mile-wide, 20-mile long natural recreational area between I-45 and I-69 with lakes and ponds, all connected by hike-and-bike trails. It would be called the Montgomery County Lake District. And it would connect to the West Fork and Spring Creek Greenways.
Together, we could restore the natural beauty of the area, increase its recreational potential, improve water quality, reduce flooding, reduce erosion and attract responsible development. If successful, the plan would improve home values and also bring back wildlife.
Thousands of snow geese fill the sky near Galveston Bayduring their fall migration.
It could be a win-win for all parties involved. People would rather live near nature than an abandoned sand pit.
Of course, a vision is just the glue that guides the efforts of many different parties as they work together for years to achieve common goals. The first step in achieving such a vision is to identify and enroll stakeholders.
Collaborating with local communities, environmental organizations, and government agencies will ensure the project aligns with regional needs and regulations.
Who Are The Stakeholders?
Several different groups have a stake in the restoration of the San Jacinto West Fork. In addition to those who benefit directly, other groups could help with funding, permits and sweat equity.
Stakeholders That Benefit Directly
Sand Miners – They own or lease the land that needs restoration and they have the equipment onsite to do it. They have profited from the land. And they want to continue profiting from other natural resources in fast-growing Montgomery County.
City of Houston – Reducing sedimentation will improve water quality, reduce water treatment costs, reduce dredging costs, and help maintain the volume of Lake Houston.
Montgomery County – Wants to attract responsible development, increase its tax base, and provide a lasting legacy for future generations.
Residents – In surrounding communities, especially residents who flooded.
Permitting Authorities
The Army Corps of Engineers requires Clean Water Act Section 404 Permits for most work in wetlands or navigable waters, especially if filling or reshaping pits.
If federal funds are used, a National Environmental Policy Act assessment may be required.
TCEQ Water Quality Certification (401 Permit) often goes with the 404 permit, especially if water discharge or sediment transport is involved.
Sand and Gravel Reclamation Permit – If the mine was never officially closed, you may need to coordinate with the Railroad Commission of Texas or TCEQ for reclamation compliance.
Montgomery County Floodplain Development Permit – Required for any earthwork, construction, or grading in a floodplain area.
San Jacinto River Authority – May need to review plans that affect the river channel or hydrology.
State of Texas Agencies
Texas Parks and Wildlife provides local park grants for turning reclaimed land into public parks or recreation areas.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) manages the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. It offers low-interest loans (and sometimes partial forgiveness) for water quality-related projects, like constructed wetlands or erosion control.
FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) For projects that reduce risk from natural disasters, especially flooding.
EPA Wetland Program Development Grants Supports planning, monitoring, and restoration of wetland areas.
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Offers funding for conservation easements or habitat restoration, especially on flood-prone or riparian land.
USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program Great if you’re turning pits into wildlife habitat — offers funding and technical help.
Conservation Groups and Non-Profits
Bayou Land Conservancy – A powerful environmental group in this area that works with land owners and manages conservation easements. Several sand miners have already donated land to them.
Mitigation banking: You can restore floodplain/wetland habitat and sell credits to developers who need to offset their impact elsewhere.
Eco-tourism partnerships: Partner with outfitters, RV parks, or fishing shops to co-invest in recreation-focused sites.
Corporate sponsorships: Regional companies (e.g., energy or construction) might fund park or conservation work as part of their environmental and social commitments.
High Schools and Local Colleges
Restoration could involve outdoor classrooms for students from local high schools and colleges. Teachers could give natural science credit to students who helped on the project, i.e., with planting wildflowers and trees. Students also provide an efficient way to reach and motivate their parents.
Next Steps
Clearly, a wide range of people, companies, agencies and non-profits have an interest in working together to transform the San Jacinto wastelands to wetlands.
The San Jacinto West Fork has been named one of America’s most endangered rivers because of sand mining. We need to fix it. And sooner, rather than later.
In my next Wasteland-to-Wetlands post, I will outline a plan for achieving the vision. We need an organization that can bring all of these groups together and a path to success.
Transforming sand to sanctuaries, and wastelands into wetlands, won’t be simple or quick. But we can and must restore the river. It will make a huge difference for our children and grandchildren.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/30/25
2770 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20081214-Snow-Geese-2972.jpg?fit=1100%2C731&ssl=17311100adminadmin2025-03-30 12:59:552025-03-30 12:59:56Wastelands to Wetlands, Part II: San Jacinto West Fork Stakeholders
Harris County Commissioners Wrestle with $100 Million Drainage Funding Shortfall
4/1/25 – In their 3/27/25 meeting, Harris County Commissioners wrestled for more than an hour with a massive, $100 million drainage funding shortfall. But $100 million may not come close to solving drainage problems in the county’s subdivisions.
Also very worrying, Commissioners have had a hard time getting data that will tell them exactly where they stand financially and let them prioritize remaining projects.
As a result, Commissioners ordered the Flood Control District and Engineering Department to return to Commissioners Court on May 8, 2025 with detailed lists of projects and their Equity Prioritization Index Scores.
Insiders at the County Courthouse say it would be too politically explosive to cancel any projects promised to voters in the 2018 Flood Bond. So, they are likely to just put projects in more affluent areas on indefinite hold, exposing them to higher flood risk for years.
Another Rambling, Disjointed Debate
Emotions got heated during the hour-long discussion as each commissioner made a case for why projects in his/her precinct should not be cut.
Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey P.E. talked about the larger percentage of unincorporated Harris County he must support compared to other precincts. He also pointed out that he already used $100 million from his own budget to push through needed subdivision drainage projects.
And Ramsey complained about problems with the equity formula used by Flood Control and Engineering to prioritize projects. Specifically, he mentioned Barrett Station, a low-income area in Precinct 3 that was deprived of funding.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia focused on “historical discrimination,” the County’s Equity Prioritization Index, and the highly populated areas they serve compared to outlying areas.
Precinct 4 Commissioner Leslie Briones literally talked about “getting hosed.” Her precinct received far less funding than others.
The discussion had all the charm of wolves crowding around a campfire, baring their teeth to see who will get the last scraps of meat.
Data Disaster Also At Core of Discussion
A shortage of reliable, consolidated data about subdivision drainage projects has frustrated commissioners as they seek to debate the priority of projects.
One of the motions considered during the debate on Item 28 last Thursday was integrating the county’s various financial systems. Currently, data about these projects exists on at least three different software platforms according to another county insider.
Subdivision Drainage Projects a Political Football
Voters approved a group of subdivision drainage projects totaling a little more than $425 million as part of the 2018 Flood Bond. Out of that total, the county designated $111 million in local matching funds to attract $315 million in partner funding from local municipalities.
However, over time the Subdivision Drainage Improvement costs escalated to an estimated $832 million due to inflation and the addition of projects. At the same time, not all the partnership funds materialized as expected.
So the county created a Flood Resilience Trust with surplus Harris County Toll Road (HCTRA) funds. The County also reallocated some funds from the 2015 Road Bond.
Because using Road Bond and HCTRA funding required link to transportation, at some point, Commissioners moved subdivision drainage projects from Flood Control to Engineering.
But now, some of the projects are moving back to Flood Control, because Flood Control may be able to cancel some of its projects, freeing up some money on that side of the fence. Can you say “Shell Game”?
The County Administrator’s Office compiled this 11-page outline showing how projects were moved, added, deleted or had their funding sources change over time and why. Reading it will also help you understand why Commissioners are demanding to know how much money they have to work with.
No commissioner wants to find a pet project at the end of the line when the money runs out.
Motions Approved
After an hour of discussion, Commissioners voted on and approved four motions designed to give them greater insight into where each of the subdivision drainage projects stands. In summary, the motions direct:
For More Information
For more information about Item 28 on the March 27, 2025 Commissioners Court Agenda, you can view the video. Click on Departments 2 or 2 and scroll forward to approximately 6:01 of the video. The discussion lasts an hour. The clock superimposed over the frame (as opposed to the scroll bar), will read 6:31 PM.
Here is an AI-based transcript of the discussion from a private service that I subscribe to. Warning: it has 98% accuracy, higher than county’s transcript which sometimes omits whole sections of the dialog. If something sounds off, check it against the video.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/1/25
2772 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Wastelands to Wetlands, Part III: Turning Ideas into Action
3/31/25 – In the first two parts of this “Wastelands to Wetlands” series, I presented a vision for restoration of the San Jacinto West Fork and listed all the various parties who have an interest in the effort and could help. But how do you coordinate them? Who would take responsibility/authority for ensuring restoration? And how would you measure their success? That is the focus of this post.
My purpose is to start a dialogue that gets people moving in the direction of a solution. I don’t claim to have all the answers. Nor do I believe that this is the only way to get to a solution.
Need for Leader to Guide Restoration
Right now, no group or leader exists for such an effort. But restoration will never happen unless someone takes the initiative (or has the responsibility) to turn ideas into action.
In business, I learned that if you put two people in charge of a project, no one is in charge. Right now, we have more than a dozen groups theoretically in charge of permitting various aspects of restoration. But none is in charge of oversight and coordination. That’s a problem.
Do We Use Existing Group or Start New One?
Several contenders for the job already exist. But do they have the knowledge, skills, funding and desire to take on the additional work?
The San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) theoretically has the authority. And they have established a flood management division. But do they have the desire to take on the environmental restoration job? They architected a massive Master Drainage Plan for the entire river basin. But after more than four years, they have yet to implement one recommendation from it. SJRA seems focused on capturing water in Lake Conroe and selling it.
Further downstream, the Coastal Water Authority has the responsibility for managing Lake Houston. But no one has given them responsibility for fixing upstream issues between the two lakes that pollute their water.
Unless one of these two groups accepts restoration as a mission and dedicates the resources to achieving it, we need to create another authority responsible for the area between Lake Conroe and Lake Houston – a West Fork Restoration Authority.
Mission Defined
Their mission: turn wastelands into wetlands. How? 1) Restore abandoned mines using a combination of grants and matching funds dedicated to the effort by the state legislature. 2) Monitor active mines to ensure they comply with their abandonment plans when the time comes. 3) Coordinate the efforts of all affected parties to ensure they are additive and contribute to the long-range plan over time.
Creating such an authority would require action by the state legislature in 2027. It’s too late for this session.
Board Structure
A board appointed by the governor and affected parties, such as the City of Houston, Montgomery County, the mining industry, and residents, could manage the West Fork Restoration Authority.
Suggested Success Metrics
How would they measure success? Here’s a list of major needs, metrics, and milestones.
Time Limited
The State’s Sunset Commission would review the Restoration Authority at regular intervals (currently 12 years) and dissolve it after completion of its job or for lack of progress.
Need
Do we need such an Authority? In my opinion, YES! The economic future of the region depends on eliminating the blight that contributes to flooding. The West Fork has:
The American Rivers organization named the West Fork one of the most endangered rivers in America.
And we still have not completed a $200 million dredging program that began in 2018.
Back in 2019, I posted 72 pictures that showed the extent of sand mining on the West Fork. Sadly, not much has changed since then. In fact, things have gotten worse.
We need the area’s elected leaders to work together to restore the West Fork as mines like the one above play out and the miners move on to other areas.
We need their help in turning Wastelands into Wetlands. Otherwise, the next generation will be stuck with the situation below.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/31/25
2771 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Wastelands to Wetlands, Part II: San Jacinto West Fork Stakeholders
3/30/25 – Yesterday, I outlined a vision for transforming the San Jacinto sand pits from wastelands to wetlands.
The idea: create a mile-wide, 20-mile long natural recreational area between I-45 and I-69 with lakes and ponds, all connected by hike-and-bike trails. It would be called the Montgomery County Lake District. And it would connect to the West Fork and Spring Creek Greenways.
Together, we could restore the natural beauty of the area, increase its recreational potential, improve water quality, reduce flooding, reduce erosion and attract responsible development. If successful, the plan would improve home values and also bring back wildlife.
It could be a win-win for all parties involved. People would rather live near nature than an abandoned sand pit.
Of course, a vision is just the glue that guides the efforts of many different parties as they work together for years to achieve common goals. The first step in achieving such a vision is to identify and enroll stakeholders.
Collaborating with local communities, environmental organizations, and government agencies will ensure the project aligns with regional needs and regulations.
Who Are The Stakeholders?
Several different groups have a stake in the restoration of the San Jacinto West Fork. In addition to those who benefit directly, other groups could help with funding, permits and sweat equity.
Stakeholders That Benefit Directly
Permitting Authorities
State of Texas Agencies
Federal Government Grants and Programs
For projects that reduce risk from natural disasters, especially flooding.
Supports planning, monitoring, and restoration of wetland areas.
Offers funding for conservation easements or habitat restoration, especially on flood-prone or riparian land.
Great if you’re turning pits into wildlife habitat — offers funding and technical help.
Conservation Groups and Non-Profits
Private Sector
High Schools and Local Colleges
Restoration could involve outdoor classrooms for students from local high schools and colleges. Teachers could give natural science credit to students who helped on the project, i.e., with planting wildflowers and trees. Students also provide an efficient way to reach and motivate their parents.
Next Steps
Clearly, a wide range of people, companies, agencies and non-profits have an interest in working together to transform the San Jacinto wastelands to wetlands.
The San Jacinto West Fork has been named one of America’s most endangered rivers because of sand mining. We need to fix it. And sooner, rather than later.
In my next Wasteland-to-Wetlands post, I will outline a plan for achieving the vision. We need an organization that can bring all of these groups together and a path to success.
Transforming sand to sanctuaries, and wastelands into wetlands, won’t be simple or quick. But we can and must restore the river. It will make a huge difference for our children and grandchildren.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/30/25
2770 Days since Hurricane Harvey