2/1/25 – State Representative Dennis Paul from the SE Houston area has introduced HB 2068, a bill that could eventually unite the counties within the San Jacinto River Basin into a regional flood control district. HB 2068, if approved, would modify the 1937 legislation that created the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD).
Here’s how the main modifications would work.
Two Big Changes: Leadership and Geographic Scope
The original legislation put control of HCFCD into the hands of the county judge and commissioners. Paul’s bill would let the governor appoint a board that controls District operations instead.
It could also expand the flood control district by letting surrounding counties join forces, but only after their leaders and residents approve. To join the district, a county’s judge and commissioners would first have to put the proposal on a ballot and voters would have to approve it.
Why Changes are Necessary
People both inside and outside of Harris County could all benefit. We need HB 2068 for several reasons.
Take Politics Out of District Operations
Since the election of Judge Lina Hidalgo in 2018, operations of HCFCD have become increasingly politicized. We now have politicians reportedly telling engineers how to do their jobs. That has driven off some highly talented professionals and slowed down operations.
Fairness for All
The politics have also skewed the focus of HCFCD efforts. HCFCD now directs flood-mitigation efforts primarily to areas with low incomes as opposed to areas with the worst flooding. During Harvey, Kingwood for instance:
More than 13,000 homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed. Many never recovered.
The UnionPacific Railroad lost its bridge over the West Fork.
Union Pacific railroad traffic was disrupted for months while a new bridge was built.
And yet since Harvey, HCFCD has spent $2.1 billion on flood control projects without constructing one in the Republican-dominated Lake Houston Area.
In fairness, HCFCD has done some maintenance here. It has also conducted several studies; it just hasn’t acted on any of them.
Need to Serve Entire River Basin
Ten of the 23 watersheds in Harris County originate outside the county. But Hidalgo, Ellis and Garcia have been reluctant to spend money outside of the county – even to help reduce flooding inside the county.
San Jacinto River tributaries affecting the Humble/Kingwood/Huffman area stretch into six surrounding counties.
An area 50% larger than Harris County drains through Lake Houston. Realistically, we can’t fix flooding here without the cooperation of the people upstream in Montgomery, Liberty, Waller, Grimes and other Counties.
Area draining into Lake Houston is far larger than Harris County.
Floodwaters don’t respect county or municipal boundaries. As development expands within surrounding counties, their residents will also experience flooding problems if they haven’t already.
Only One Chance to Do It Right
Ask the people of Plum Grove in Liberty County how the massive unincorporated Colony Ridge development affected flooding in their community. The first approximately 12,000 acres in Colony Ridge were developed with almost no stormwater detention basins. Fixing that now would require expensive buyouts. And that’s not likely to happen.
Drainage ditches have already eroded into people’s back yards. And FM1010, the major north/south artery through the area has been washed out for almost eight years.
FM1010 washed out at Rocky Branch during Harvey and has not been fixed since.
As development accelerates outside of Harris County, flood control in surrounding counties will become increasingly important.
Regardless of their impact downstream, residents of surrounding counties must do something to secure their futures for themselves before they too develop intractable flooding. Prevention is always less expensive than correction.
HB 2068 lets people in surrounding counties experience growth without the growing pains.
It could give them instant access to a highly knowledgeable, already developed, fully functional staff of flood control experts…without building their own.
For surrounding counties, that could mean faster solutions. Also, a lower percentage of their flood-control dollars would go to building staff and a higher percentage could go to building mitigation projects that actually reduce flooding.
Potential Benefits for All Texans
People of a region have more to gain by working together than by working in disconnected cells.
Because floodwaters don’t stop at jurisdictional boundaries, a regional approach to flood control is the only one that has a chance of success.
HB 2068 lets people make their own choices…when it’s right for them.
It’s fair to all.
We’ll have the best minds in the state working to solve our flooding problems without bumping into political boundaries.
Surrounding counties don’t have to spend years building organizations with the expertise to make a difference. They can start now.
The more people a project benefits, the easier it is to attract matching funds from Federal sources.
I see one other benefit for Texas, which finished its first statewide flood plan last year. If successful, this could become a model for other river basins throughout the state.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 2/1/25
2713 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20201025-DJI_0919.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=19001200adminadmin2025-02-01 18:56:122025-02-01 19:32:15Proposal to Expand the Flood Control District Has Many Benefits
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
Proposal to Expand the Flood Control District Has Many Benefits
2/1/25 – State Representative Dennis Paul from the SE Houston area has introduced HB 2068, a bill that could eventually unite the counties within the San Jacinto River Basin into a regional flood control district. HB 2068, if approved, would modify the 1937 legislation that created the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD).
Here’s how the main modifications would work.
Two Big Changes: Leadership and Geographic Scope
The original legislation put control of HCFCD into the hands of the county judge and commissioners. Paul’s bill would let the governor appoint a board that controls District operations instead.
It could also expand the flood control district by letting surrounding counties join forces, but only after their leaders and residents approve. To join the district, a county’s judge and commissioners would first have to put the proposal on a ballot and voters would have to approve it.
Why Changes are Necessary
People both inside and outside of Harris County could all benefit. We need HB 2068 for several reasons.
Take Politics Out of District Operations
Since the election of Judge Lina Hidalgo in 2018, operations of HCFCD have become increasingly politicized. We now have politicians reportedly telling engineers how to do their jobs. That has driven off some highly talented professionals and slowed down operations.
Fairness for All
The politics have also skewed the focus of HCFCD efforts. HCFCD now directs flood-mitigation efforts primarily to areas with low incomes as opposed to areas with the worst flooding. During Harvey, Kingwood for instance:
The community was virtually cut off from Houston for 11 months when half of the I-69 bridge over the West Fork was destroyed.
In the wider Lake Houston Area:
In fairness, HCFCD has done some maintenance here. It has also conducted several studies; it just hasn’t acted on any of them.
Need to Serve Entire River Basin
Ten of the 23 watersheds in Harris County originate outside the county. But Hidalgo, Ellis and Garcia have been reluctant to spend money outside of the county – even to help reduce flooding inside the county.
An area 50% larger than Harris County drains through Lake Houston. Realistically, we can’t fix flooding here without the cooperation of the people upstream in Montgomery, Liberty, Waller, Grimes and other Counties.
Floodwaters don’t respect county or municipal boundaries. As development expands within surrounding counties, their residents will also experience flooding problems if they haven’t already.
Only One Chance to Do It Right
Ask the people of Plum Grove in Liberty County how the massive unincorporated Colony Ridge development affected flooding in their community. The first approximately 12,000 acres in Colony Ridge were developed with almost no stormwater detention basins. Fixing that now would require expensive buyouts. And that’s not likely to happen.
Drainage ditches have already eroded into people’s back yards. And FM1010, the major north/south artery through the area has been washed out for almost eight years.
As development accelerates outside of Harris County, flood control in surrounding counties will become increasingly important.
Regardless of their impact downstream, residents of surrounding counties must do something to secure their futures for themselves before they too develop intractable flooding. Prevention is always less expensive than correction.
It could give them instant access to a highly knowledgeable, already developed, fully functional staff of flood control experts…without building their own.
For surrounding counties, that could mean faster solutions. Also, a lower percentage of their flood-control dollars would go to building staff and a higher percentage could go to building mitigation projects that actually reduce flooding.
Potential Benefits for All Texans
People of a region have more to gain by working together than by working in disconnected cells.
I see one other benefit for Texas, which finished its first statewide flood plan last year. If successful, this could become a model for other river basins throughout the state.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 2/1/25
2713 Days since Hurricane Harvey
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