The bill has the potential to benefit all citizens of Harris County and from my perspective is one of the most important bills introduced in this legislature.
Essentially the Dredging and Maintenance District would be a conservation and reclamation district. Article 16, Section 9 of the Texas Constitution authorizes the creation of such districts.
The District’s main purpose: “restore, maintain, or expand the capacity of the lake and its tributaries to convey storm flows.” But the range of benefits could be much wider.
Keep in mind that the lake provides drinking water for more than 2 million people and sediment constantly shrinks its capacity.
The City of Houston is still dredging sand deposited by Hurricane Harvey more than seven years ago.
Maintenance needs to be constant. Imagine having to wait for an act of Congress to fill up your car with gasoline, then spending another two years applying for a grant and a year bidding the purchase. That’s the situation we have.
Potential Benefits
If approved, the bill has the potential to:
Increase Lake Houston’s capacity, which until now has constantly dwindled due to sediment deposited during periodic floods
Offset sediment swept downstream from upstream sand mines
Maintain the drinking water supply capacity for more than 2 million people
Reduce flooding in the Lake Houston Area by increasing the conveyance of tributaries and eliminating blockages at their mouths that back water up into homes and businesses.
Provide a source of material for beneficial uses such as:
Making concrete
Building roads
Elevating home foundations in new developments
Supporting public works projects, such as providing material to build the Ike Dike.
Governed by City- and County-Appointed Directors
Seven directors would govern the district. Harris County Commissioners Court and Houston City Council would each appoint three. The County and City would jointly appoint the seventh. They would have staggered 4-year terms.
Powers and Duties of District
“Dredging and maintenance” include the removal of debris that accumulates under and over the water of Lake Houston and its tributaries. That includes floating debris, such as trees that wash into the lake during floods.
The District may form inter-local agreements (ILAs) with other organizations within the boundaries of the District (Harris County).
The District would not have the power of eminent domain.
In performing its duties, the District may not negatively affect the water quality in Lake Houston. That includes the quality of water treated by the City’s Northeast Water Purification Plant.
Before performing any dredging or maintenance, the District must obtain the approval of the City’s Director of Public Works.
Financing
The District would not have to pay a fee to take the material it dredges, but could make money to finance operations by selling that material. It may not impose taxes or charge fees.
But the District could apply for grants from sources such as FEMA, HUD, and the Texas Water Development Board.
The State legislature could also appropriate up to $25 million per year to help jumpstart operations, but not after September 1, 2027.
As one of its first duties, the District would have to develop a plan of financing and make that plan available to the public for comment.
Start Date
If more than two-thirds of each house in the Legislature approve, the bill would take effect immediately. If approved with less than a two-thirds majority, the District would take effect on September 1, 2025.
Commissioners Court and City Council would have to name board members no later than September 1, 2026.
Similar to 2023 Bill
Cunningham proposed a similar bill in the previous legislature that died in committee. Cunningham was a freshman in the legislature back in 2023 and he introduced the bill late in the session. Now he has more friends and seniority which could get him on the committee reviewing the bill.
Also this bill was introduced much earlier, improving the chances it will be heard (It’s #1532 vs. #5341).
Other than changing the dates and numbers, the bills are virtually identical.
Let’s hope Mr. Cunningham has the pull to get on the committee reviewing the bill this year.
At this point, the bill has not been sent to any committee yet. Nor have any other additional sponsors signed on.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/31/25
2712 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241208-DJI_20241208104939_0315_D.jpg?fit=1100%2C650&ssl=16501100adminadmin2025-01-31 16:19:052025-01-31 16:27:24HB 1532 Would Create Dredging and Maintenance District
1/30/25 – The effort to build an all weather evacuation route from Kingwood along Northpark Drive has been remarkably accident free – until recently. A large and sudden surge in Northpark accidents has caused the Houston Police Department to step up enforcement.
Speeding or other violations in the construction zone could now result in double the normal fine if you are caught.
Warning signs on westbound Northpark near Woodridge Parkway.Remember: sometimes work goes round the clock.
Factors that Increase Traffic Accidents in Construction Zones
According to ChatGPT, traffic accidents in construction zones are often caused by a combination of environmental factors, driver behavior, and work zone conditions. The primary causes include:
Speeding – Drivers exceeding posted speed limits or failing to slow down in work zones increases the likelihood of accidents.
Distracted Driving – Using mobile phones, adjusting the radio, or other distractions can lead to drivers missing critical warnings or changes in traffic patterns.
Sudden Lane Changes – Unpredictable lane shifts or merging without proper signaling can cause collisions.
Tailgating – Following too closely reduces reaction time, especially when traffic suddenly slows down.
Poor Visibility – Dust, debris, and temporary lighting can reduce visibility, making it harder to see workers, signs, or other vehicles.
Confusing or Inadequate Signage – Improperly placed, unclear, or missing warning signs can lead to driver confusion and unsafe maneuvers.
Work Zone Layout Changes – Narrow lanes, temporary barriers, and detours can catch drivers off guard if they are not paying attention.
Impaired Driving – Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs reduces reaction time and decision-making ability.
Construction Vehicle Movement – Large trucks and machinery entering or exiting the work zone can disrupt traffic flow and create unexpected obstacles.
Pedestrian or Worker Presence – The presence of workers near moving traffic increases the risk of pedestrian-involved accidents.
Preventing accidents requires drivers to increase awareness and alertness.
Don’t assume that the conditions you encountered yesterday will be the same you see today.
Don’t assume that everyone has the reflexes of a cat like you do. And don’t become part of the Northpark accident surge.
If you use Northpark, please share this with your family and friends. Remember, insurance rates usually increase with traffic fines. So, violations can be costly…even before car repairs.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20250130-DSC_1748.jpg?fit=1100%2C674&ssl=16741100adminadmin2025-01-30 16:27:302025-01-30 23:03:18Northpark Accidents Cause City to Step up Traffic Enforcement
1/29/25 – $863 million in HUD funds sit in limbo tonight. Just last Friday, Harris County Flood Control (HCFCD) finally presented its long-awaited list of flood-mitigation and disaster-relief projects to Commissioners Court. They totaled that amount.
But by Monday, a series of presidential executive orders targeting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs put the future of those projects in jeopardy.
Thousands of homes flooded in Kingwood during Harvey, but after 7.5 years, HCFCD has not constructed one flood mitigation project in the community.
Everyone Scrambles to Understand OMB Memo and Its Impact
On Monday, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced that it paused funding for trillions of dollars in grants. Reportedly, the pause affected many HUD programs.
The OMB memo said that Federal agencies “must temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance.”
On Tuesday, the New York Times reported, “The Trump administration’s order … prompted confusion across state capitols and local government offices, leaving them at a loss on how to even calculate its impact.”
Then late Tuesday afternoon, a federal judge temporarily blocked part of the Trump administration’s grant freeze.
After the flurry of concerns raised Tuesday, dozens of media outlets reported around noon today (Wednesday) that OMB had rescinded the pause order.
Rescission of the Rescission
But less than two hours later, The Hill quoted White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt as saying, “This is NOT a rescission of the federal funding freeze. It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo. … The President’s executive orders on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.”
Before the rescission of the rescission, I talked to official sources at the local, state and federal levels.
A Flood Control District spokesperson thinks that the $863 million is not in jeopardy. She said that everyone is moving forward as though the money were still committed.
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) also feels the chances of the money being pulled back are slim. GLO hopes that any changes made in Washington would improve efficiency in the grant process.
While we sort this out, we should remember that the $863 million in HUD funds come with some very tight deadlines. Not one of the three sources above knew yet whether those deadlines would be extended because of a pause in funding federal grant applications. So uncertainty reigns.
I watched Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis rant about how “Kingwood was getting all the damn money.” Yet Kingwood has received only $230 in capital improvement construction funds while the Brays Bayou Watershed where Mr. Ellis lives has received $206,576,424 between Harvey and the end of 2024 … all in the name of equity. That’s almost a million times more.
But denying aid to predominantly white neighborhoods may have backfired on Mr. Ellis. Only 50% of the HUD money had to benefit LMI residents. But like others who benefitted from DEI initiatives across the country, Ellis kept pushing for more.
He insisted on 70% while excluding projects in predominantly white and middle class areas. And that has fueled resentment among people who received virtually nothing for their taxes.
Of course, Ellis alone didn’t generate a backlash that catapulted Trump into the White House. He had plenty of help nationwide from others pushing the DEI envelope as he did.
And now Trump is delivering on campaign promises – terminating people, policies and programs relating to DEI.
Fairness for All Needed, Not Winner-Take-All Mentality
Perhaps had politicians like Ellis treated everyone fairly and not pushed their advantage so egregiously, we wouldn’t be in this mess. We need a “fairness for all” mentality that replaces the “winner take all” mentality currently pervading our politics.
Long before Abraham Lincoln said in 1858 that “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” Jesus used the phrase. He said in the Gospel of Matthew 12:25, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.”
Surely, there’s a way to divvy up the HUD money that benefits all the residents of Harris County. Withholding it all simply penalizes everyone.
In the meantime, we potentially have $863 million in limbo doing no one any good.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/29/2025
2710 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/20170830-IMG_9552-e1738208930459.jpg?fit=1100%2C825&ssl=18251100adminadmin2025-01-29 23:25:142025-01-30 09:40:37HUD’s $863 Million in Limbo Tonight
HB 1532 Would Create Dredging and Maintenance District
1/31/25 – State Representative Charles Cunningham (District 127) has proposed HB 1532 in the 89th Texas Legislature. It would create a Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District.
The bill has the potential to benefit all citizens of Harris County and from my perspective is one of the most important bills introduced in this legislature.
Essentially the Dredging and Maintenance District would be a conservation and reclamation district. Article 16, Section 9 of the Texas Constitution authorizes the creation of such districts.
The District’s main purpose: “restore, maintain, or expand the capacity of the lake and its tributaries to convey storm flows.” But the range of benefits could be much wider.
Keep in mind that the lake provides drinking water for more than 2 million people and sediment constantly shrinks its capacity.
Maintenance needs to be constant. Imagine having to wait for an act of Congress to fill up your car with gasoline, then spending another two years applying for a grant and a year bidding the purchase. That’s the situation we have.
Potential Benefits
If approved, the bill has the potential to:
Governed by City- and County-Appointed Directors
Seven directors would govern the district. Harris County Commissioners Court and Houston City Council would each appoint three. The County and City would jointly appoint the seventh. They would have staggered 4-year terms.
Powers and Duties of District
“Dredging and maintenance” include the removal of debris that accumulates under and over the water of Lake Houston and its tributaries. That includes floating debris, such as trees that wash into the lake during floods.
The District may form inter-local agreements (ILAs) with other organizations within the boundaries of the District (Harris County).
The District would not have the power of eminent domain.
In performing its duties, the District may not negatively affect the water quality in Lake Houston. That includes the quality of water treated by the City’s Northeast Water Purification Plant.
Before performing any dredging or maintenance, the District must obtain the approval of the City’s Director of Public Works.
Financing
The District would not have to pay a fee to take the material it dredges, but could make money to finance operations by selling that material. It may not impose taxes or charge fees.
But the District could apply for grants from sources such as FEMA, HUD, and the Texas Water Development Board.
The State legislature could also appropriate up to $25 million per year to help jumpstart operations, but not after September 1, 2027.
As one of its first duties, the District would have to develop a plan of financing and make that plan available to the public for comment.
Start Date
If more than two-thirds of each house in the Legislature approve, the bill would take effect immediately. If approved with less than a two-thirds majority, the District would take effect on September 1, 2025.
Commissioners Court and City Council would have to name board members no later than September 1, 2026.
Similar to 2023 Bill
Cunningham proposed a similar bill in the previous legislature that died in committee. Cunningham was a freshman in the legislature back in 2023 and he introduced the bill late in the session. Now he has more friends and seniority which could get him on the committee reviewing the bill.
Also this bill was introduced much earlier, improving the chances it will be heard (It’s #1532 vs. #5341).
Other than changing the dates and numbers, the bills are virtually identical.
Let’s hope Mr. Cunningham has the pull to get on the committee reviewing the bill this year.
At this point, the bill has not been sent to any committee yet. Nor have any other additional sponsors signed on.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/31/25
2712 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
Northpark Accidents Cause City to Step up Traffic Enforcement
1/30/25 – The effort to build an all weather evacuation route from Kingwood along Northpark Drive has been remarkably accident free – until recently. A large and sudden surge in Northpark accidents has caused the Houston Police Department to step up enforcement.
Speeding or other violations in the construction zone could now result in double the normal fine if you are caught.
Factors that Increase Traffic Accidents in Construction Zones
According to ChatGPT, traffic accidents in construction zones are often caused by a combination of environmental factors, driver behavior, and work zone conditions. The primary causes include:
Preventing accidents requires drivers to increase awareness and alertness.
Don’t assume that everyone has the reflexes of a cat like you do. And don’t become part of the Northpark accident surge.
If you use Northpark, please share this with your family and friends. Remember, insurance rates usually increase with traffic fines. So, violations can be costly…even before car repairs.
For More Information
See the Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority project web pages. For a history of the project, see these select posts on ReduceFlooding.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/30/25
2711 Days since Hurricane Harvey
HUD’s $863 Million in Limbo Tonight
1/29/25 – $863 million in HUD funds sit in limbo tonight. Just last Friday, Harris County Flood Control (HCFCD) finally presented its long-awaited list of flood-mitigation and disaster-relief projects to Commissioners Court. They totaled that amount.
But by Monday, a series of presidential executive orders targeting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs put the future of those projects in jeopardy.
Everyone Scrambles to Understand OMB Memo and Its Impact
On Monday, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced that it paused funding for trillions of dollars in grants. Reportedly, the pause affected many HUD programs.
The OMB memo said that Federal agencies “must temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance.”
On Tuesday, the New York Times reported, “The Trump administration’s order … prompted confusion across state capitols and local government offices, leaving them at a loss on how to even calculate its impact.”
Then late Tuesday afternoon, a federal judge temporarily blocked part of the Trump administration’s grant freeze.
After the flurry of concerns raised Tuesday, dozens of media outlets reported around noon today (Wednesday) that OMB had rescinded the pause order.
Rescission of the Rescission
But less than two hours later, The Hill quoted White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt as saying, “This is NOT a rescission of the federal funding freeze. It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo. … The President’s executive orders on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.”
Before the rescission of the rescission, I talked to official sources at the local, state and federal levels.
While we sort this out, we should remember that the $863 million in HUD funds come with some very tight deadlines. Not one of the three sources above knew yet whether those deadlines would be extended because of a pause in funding federal grant applications. So uncertainty reigns.
How Did We Get Here?
Kingwood provides a clue. Ever since the passage of the 2018 Harris County Flood Bond and the County’s first Equity Prioritization Framework, I have tracked the Harris County Flood Control District’s spending by watershed.
I watched Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis rant about how “Kingwood was getting all the damn money.” Yet Kingwood has received only $230 in capital improvement construction funds while the Brays Bayou Watershed where Mr. Ellis lives has received $206,576,424 between Harvey and the end of 2024 … all in the name of equity. That’s almost a million times more.
But denying aid to predominantly white neighborhoods may have backfired on Mr. Ellis. Only 50% of the HUD money had to benefit LMI residents. But like others who benefitted from DEI initiatives across the country, Ellis kept pushing for more.
He insisted on 70% while excluding projects in predominantly white and middle class areas. And that has fueled resentment among people who received virtually nothing for their taxes.
Of course, Ellis alone didn’t generate a backlash that catapulted Trump into the White House. He had plenty of help nationwide from others pushing the DEI envelope as he did.
And now Trump is delivering on campaign promises – terminating people, policies and programs relating to DEI.
Fairness for All Needed, Not Winner-Take-All Mentality
Perhaps had politicians like Ellis treated everyone fairly and not pushed their advantage so egregiously, we wouldn’t be in this mess. We need a “fairness for all” mentality that replaces the “winner take all” mentality currently pervading our politics.
Long before Abraham Lincoln said in 1858 that “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” Jesus used the phrase. He said in the Gospel of Matthew 12:25, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.”
Surely, there’s a way to divvy up the HUD money that benefits all the residents of Harris County. Withholding it all simply penalizes everyone.
In the meantime, we potentially have $863 million in limbo doing no one any good.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/29/2025
2710 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.