Come to the Forest Cove Community Center this Saturday, April 15, from 11 AM to 1 PM at 1025 Marina Drive to celebrate the newest segment of San Jacinto Bayou Greenway!
RSVP at bit.ly/SanJacBayouGreenway to confirm your attendance. Please share this invitation with your friends, neighbors, and family. The whole community is invited.
11:30 AM: Speakers and Ribbon Cutting with Mayor Pro-Tem Dave Martin
12:15 PM: Group bike ride (20-minute roundtrip)
01:00 PM: End
Park along the street and on the tennis courts behind the community center.
Officials in attendance will include:
City of Houston Mayor Pro-Tem Dave Martin, District E
State Representative Charles Cunningham, District 127
Lawrence Bell, Harris County Precinct Three
Dr. Tina Peterson, Director, Harris County Flood Control District
Chris Carroll, Interim Deputy Director, Greenspace Management, H.P.A.R.D.
Matt Tielkemeijer, Vice President, Forest Cove Property Owners Association
Beth White, President & CEO, Houston Parks Board
Project Information
Houston Parks Board started construction of this 2.5-mile Bayou Greenway segment from Woodland Hills Drive to Hamblen Road in January 2021 and completed it in March 2023. The trail does not yet stretch all the way to US59, but it’s getting close.
New off-street trails, as well as the use of existing residential streets for the trail system
Trail connection for Kingwood residents at Woodland Hills Drive to access the Bayou Greenway
Planting of native trees, meadows, and wildflowers
Benches, seating areas and overlooks
Interpretive and directional signage
Trash cans and recycling containers
Recreation Enhancement, Flood-Damage Reduction
This project brings recreational amenities to the Forest Cove/Kingwood area and removes people from repetitive, devastating flooding.
Houston Parks Board
Houston Parks Board partnered with Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) to purchase land and convert it to greenspace. A portion of the greenway goes through the now-demolished Riverview Townhome complex, which HCFCD acquired with a combination of FEMA funding and flood-bond funds.
I interviewed one family that had flooded eight times in five years. Hurricane Harvey dealt the death blow to the once-proud townhomes but it took almost another six years to obtain funding, demolish what remained of them, and build this trail system.
Forest Cove Townhomes waiting for demolition in February of 2022
San Jacinto Bayou Greenway is part of a citywide initiative called Bayou Greenways. Houston Parks Board leads the initiative. Partners include: the City of Houston, its Parks and Recreation Department, and the Harris County Flood Control District.
Bayou Greenways creates a continuous linear park system along Houston’s major waterways, transforms more than 3,000 underutilized acres along the bayous into accessible greenspace, and connects 150 miles of hike-and-bike trails.
Photos Taken on 4/14, Day Before Ribbon Cutting
Below are some photos of the Greenway taken one day before the ribbon cutting as final preparations were underway.
Looking west from Forest Cove Pool toward the UP railroad bridge over the San Jacinto West Fork. New trail snakes from middle left along river.Still looking east toward railroad bridge at point where trail turns north toward Hamblen Road at Burning Tree Court.Looking SE toward Forest Cove baseball fields along Forest Cove Drive.Another view looking SE along Forest Cove Drive. where trail winds near one of many river inlets.Looking back NW toward Forest Cove Community Center.Hike and bike paths are concrete and wide enough to easily accommodate traffic in both directions.
Entrance to the segment that connects to the Kingwood trail system at the east end of Hamblen road. Shaded rest stops with benches dot the entire Greenway.
Hope to see you at the ribbon-cutting ceremony tomorrow. Don’t forget to RSVP. It will help them plan quantities for the free food. Bring the family, your bikes, and your helmets. The transformation in this area from Harvey to today is remarkable to see! It’s beautiful again!
On 4/13/23 at 8 A.M. sharp, Northpark Drive expansion started after 10 years of planning. Dignitaries gathered in the parking lot of a local business for the groundbreaking ceremony even as surveyors were already working father east and Harper Brothers Construction started prepositioning equipment.
This project will make Kingwood safer in the next big flood. It will also make the Livable Forest more livable by reducing traffic congestion.
Ceremonial Kickoff
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin, Council Member-at-Large Sally Alcorn, the board of the Lake Houston Area Redevelopment Authority, and Montgomery County Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray all grabbed shovels for the ceremonial kickoff.
Gray will coordinate with the City on this project. Even though it is within the City, Phase One falls entirely in Montgomery County.
Martin acted as master of ceremonies and reminded everyone of the work the late TIRZ Chairman Stan Sarman did to keep this project moving through the years.
How Project Began
Martin called this the first major infrastructure project in Kingwood since the West Lake Houston Parkway Bridge was built between 1990 and 1992. He also provided a brief history of the project. More than a decade ago, the City considered expanding Kingwood Drive.
Traffic studies showed that Kingwood Drive ranked as the most congested thoroughfare in the City and was among the most dangerous. However, the community’s desire to preserve the trees along Kingwood Drive – one of the signature attractions of the community – put that project on indefinite hold.
The City then began looking at Northpark Drive as an alternative. It was ranked the fifth most congested thoroughfare in the City and also one of the most dangerous.
Benefits of Project
Martin emphasized the benefits of the project during emergencies, such as Hurricane Harvey, which virtually turned Kingwood into an island. He also talked about the increasing length of trains and how they could block Kingwood Drive, Northpark and Ford Road simultaneously.
Martin said that the Northpark Drive expansion will provide a bridge over the railroad tracks and Loop 494 that lets citizens, firetrucks and ambulances enter and exit Kingwood 24/7/365 without delay. The City will also raise Northpark in places that frequently flood, i.e., at the diversion ditch and over Bens Branch.
Culverts will replace the ditch now down the center of Northpark Drive so the thoroughfare can expand to six lanes.
Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin
The first phase of the project from 59 to the Kingwood Diversion Ditch should take about two years to complete. Traffic frequently backs up most of this distance, especially when trains pass through the area.
Pictures of Groundbreaking
Below are pictures that show today’s ceremony and scope of the project.
Martin (left) and Turner (right) kicked off the ceremony by talking about the need for the project and thanking all those present for their support.Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who has only eight and a half months left in office, drew a laugh from the crowd when he quipped that residents could complain to someone else about traffic delays during construction.First shovels in a two year project. Gray, Martin and Turner are fourth, fifth and sixth from left respectively.Traffic backed up in backgroundunderscores need for project.Looking SW.Drone shot taken as event (bottom middle) was breaking up also shows where bridge will go over UP railroad tracks and Loop 494 in upper right.Looking west. Another drone shot taken on previous afternoon at 3PM shows inbound traffic backed up all the way to 59 in background .Looking east toward Kingwood. First phase of project will go to end of ditch at top of frame.
Construction always entails some pain. But the benefits will far outweigh any inconvenience. I can’t wait to be one of the first to drive over the bridge that will alleviate the perpetual congestion at the intersection above.
Currently in Austin, there are five pieces of pending legislation that could reduce flooding in the Lake Houston Area, Harris County and the entire region. Here’s a rundown on each.
The net impact could be a fairer distribution of funds to the areas hardest hit by flooding and a regional focus that reduces flooding for all, not just those in Democratic precincts.
Of the 18 active capital improvement construction projects currently underway by HCFCD, not one is in the last remaining precinct led by a Republican commissioners in Harris County. See below.
The yellow precinct on the west side of the county (P4) used to be Republican-led until this January. It has only one capital improvement construction project.
The other 17 active capital improvement construction projects are split between the two precincts led by Democratic Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Adrian Garcia.
HB1093
After Harvey, both the East and West Forks of the San Jacinto River became clogged with sand. Sand mines along the banks of rivers were large contributors.
House Bill 1093 would ensure that when sand mines are played out, the operators have enough financial reserves to clean up the property and replant vegetation before walking away.
Some miners simply abandon property, leaving rusting dredges, excavators, bulldozers, processing equipment, and more to litter the landscape. Likewise, they are supposed to regrade property to eliminate stockpiles that could be swept away in floods. And they are supposed to replant vegetation that could reduce the rates of erosion. But not all do.
HB1093 would force miners to provide financial surety that guarantees cleanup won’t fall on the shoulders of taxpayers. Surety is a common practice in the construction trades. Think of it as a form of insurance. If the miner can’t afford reclamation, the surety company is on the hook, not ordinary citizens.
Without this bill, some irresponsible miners will continue littering the shores of our rivers – the rivers that provide drinking water to 2 million people.
Dredge left at abandoned West Fork sand mine on North Houston Avenue in Humble.
HB5341
House Bill 5341 would create a Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District. Its purpose would be to remove sediment, debris, sand, and gravel from Lake Houston and its tributaries to restore, maintain, and expand the Lake to mitigate storm flows.
The District would have a board appointed by Harris County Commissioners, the Houston City Council, the Houston Mayor and the Harris County Judge.
The District would remove debris under and on the water of Lake Houston and its tributaries, but would be prohibited from doing so in such a way that it would impact water quality or water treatment costs. Dredgers would have to obtain approval from Houston Public Works before conducting any operations.
They could take sand and gravel from Lake Houston and its tributaries without paying a fee or tax.
Before beginning operations, the District would also conduct a funding study. Presumably at a minimum, that would estimate how much money it could make by selling dirt removed from the lake. Such dirt could be used as fill to raise homes and roads.
The District would also have authority to issue revenue bonds and could receive up to $25 million per year for the next two years from the state during that start-up period. It could not impose any taxes or fees.
Removing part of the East Fork Mouth Bar during dredging operations in 2022.
SB1366
Senate Bill 1366 redirects surplus revenue from the economic stabilization fund to the Flood Infrastructure Fund. The State’s Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) has turned into one of the main sources of funding for Texas Water Development Board grants and one of the main ways that smaller counties and cities can fund flood projects.
Because both revenue estimates and budgets are still in flux, it’s unclear at this point exactly how much would be transferred, according to Senator Brandon Creighton’s office. Creighton sponsored this bill.
Check back often for more about legislation that could reduce flooding.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/12/2023
2053 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/2022/01/20210817-DJI_0349.jpg?fit=1200%2C799&ssl=17991200adminadmin2023-04-12 12:55:222023-04-13 18:51:08Five Pieces of Legislation That Could Reduce Flooding
You’re Invited: San Jacinto Greenway Ribbon Cutting Saturday 11-1
Come to the Forest Cove Community Center this Saturday, April 15, from 11 AM to 1 PM at 1025 Marina Drive to celebrate the newest segment of San Jacinto Bayou Greenway!
RSVP at bit.ly/SanJacBayouGreenway to confirm your attendance. Please share this invitation with your friends, neighbors, and family. The whole community is invited.
Event Details
Enjoy:
Schedule:
Park along the street and on the tennis courts behind the community center.
Officials in attendance will include:
Project Information
Houston Parks Board started construction of this 2.5-mile Bayou Greenway segment from Woodland Hills Drive to Hamblen Road in January 2021 and completed it in March 2023. The trail does not yet stretch all the way to US59, but it’s getting close.
Features of the San Jacinto Bayou Greenway include:
Recreation Enhancement, Flood-Damage Reduction
Houston Parks Board partnered with Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) to purchase land and convert it to greenspace. A portion of the greenway goes through the now-demolished Riverview Townhome complex, which HCFCD acquired with a combination of FEMA funding and flood-bond funds.
I interviewed one family that had flooded eight times in five years. Hurricane Harvey dealt the death blow to the once-proud townhomes but it took almost another six years to obtain funding, demolish what remained of them, and build this trail system.
San Jacinto Bayou Greenway is part of a citywide initiative called Bayou Greenways. Houston Parks Board leads the initiative. Partners include: the City of Houston, its Parks and Recreation Department, and the Harris County Flood Control District.
Bayou Greenways creates a continuous linear park system along Houston’s major waterways, transforms more than 3,000 underutilized acres along the bayous into accessible greenspace, and connects 150 miles of hike-and-bike trails.
Photos Taken on 4/14, Day Before Ribbon Cutting
Below are some photos of the Greenway taken one day before the ribbon cutting as final preparations were underway.
Entrance to the segment that connects to the Kingwood trail system at the east end of Hamblen road. Shaded rest stops with benches dot the entire Greenway.
Hope to see you at the ribbon-cutting ceremony tomorrow. Don’t forget to RSVP. It will help them plan quantities for the free food. Bring the family, your bikes, and your helmets. The transformation in this area from Harvey to today is remarkable to see! It’s beautiful again!
Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/14/23
2054 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Northpark Drive Expansion Starting Today
On 4/13/23 at 8 A.M. sharp, Northpark Drive expansion started after 10 years of planning. Dignitaries gathered in the parking lot of a local business for the groundbreaking ceremony even as surveyors were already working father east and Harper Brothers Construction started prepositioning equipment.
This project will make Kingwood safer in the next big flood. It will also make the Livable Forest more livable by reducing traffic congestion.
Ceremonial Kickoff
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Mayor Pro Tem Dave Martin, Council Member-at-Large Sally Alcorn, the board of the Lake Houston Area Redevelopment Authority, and Montgomery County Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray all grabbed shovels for the ceremonial kickoff.
Gray will coordinate with the City on this project. Even though it is within the City, Phase One falls entirely in Montgomery County.
Martin acted as master of ceremonies and reminded everyone of the work the late TIRZ Chairman Stan Sarman did to keep this project moving through the years.
How Project Began
Martin called this the first major infrastructure project in Kingwood since the West Lake Houston Parkway Bridge was built between 1990 and 1992. He also provided a brief history of the project. More than a decade ago, the City considered expanding Kingwood Drive.
Traffic studies showed that Kingwood Drive ranked as the most congested thoroughfare in the City and was among the most dangerous. However, the community’s desire to preserve the trees along Kingwood Drive – one of the signature attractions of the community – put that project on indefinite hold.
The City then began looking at Northpark Drive as an alternative. It was ranked the fifth most congested thoroughfare in the City and also one of the most dangerous.
Benefits of Project
Martin emphasized the benefits of the project during emergencies, such as Hurricane Harvey, which virtually turned Kingwood into an island. He also talked about the increasing length of trains and how they could block Kingwood Drive, Northpark and Ford Road simultaneously.
Martin said that the Northpark Drive expansion will provide a bridge over the railroad tracks and Loop 494 that lets citizens, firetrucks and ambulances enter and exit Kingwood 24/7/365 without delay. The City will also raise Northpark in places that frequently flood, i.e., at the diversion ditch and over Bens Branch.
The first phase of the project from 59 to the Kingwood Diversion Ditch should take about two years to complete. Traffic frequently backs up most of this distance, especially when trains pass through the area.
Pictures of Groundbreaking
Below are pictures that show today’s ceremony and scope of the project.
Construction always entails some pain. But the benefits will far outweigh any inconvenience. I can’t wait to be one of the first to drive over the bridge that will alleviate the perpetual congestion at the intersection above.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/13/2023
2053 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Five Pieces of Legislation That Could Reduce Flooding
Currently in Austin, there are five pieces of pending legislation that could reduce flooding in the Lake Houston Area, Harris County and the entire region. Here’s a rundown on each.
SB2431 and HB5338
Senate Bill 2431 and House Bill 5338 are companion bills that would transform the Harris County Flood Control District into the Gulf Coast Resiliency District with a board appointed by the governor. This would take the District out from under the thumb of Harris County Commissioners court.
The net impact could be a fairer distribution of funds to the areas hardest hit by flooding and a regional focus that reduces flooding for all, not just those in Democratic precincts.
Of the 18 active capital improvement construction projects currently underway by HCFCD, not one is in the last remaining precinct led by a Republican commissioners in Harris County. See below.
The yellow precinct on the west side of the county (P4) used to be Republican-led until this January. It has only one capital improvement construction project.
The other 17 active capital improvement construction projects are split between the two precincts led by Democratic Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Adrian Garcia.
HB1093
After Harvey, both the East and West Forks of the San Jacinto River became clogged with sand. Sand mines along the banks of rivers were large contributors.
House Bill 1093 would ensure that when sand mines are played out, the operators have enough financial reserves to clean up the property and replant vegetation before walking away.
Some miners simply abandon property, leaving rusting dredges, excavators, bulldozers, processing equipment, and more to litter the landscape. Likewise, they are supposed to regrade property to eliminate stockpiles that could be swept away in floods. And they are supposed to replant vegetation that could reduce the rates of erosion. But not all do.
HB1093 would force miners to provide financial surety that guarantees cleanup won’t fall on the shoulders of taxpayers. Surety is a common practice in the construction trades. Think of it as a form of insurance. If the miner can’t afford reclamation, the surety company is on the hook, not ordinary citizens.
Without this bill, some irresponsible miners will continue littering the shores of our rivers – the rivers that provide drinking water to 2 million people.
HB5341
House Bill 5341 would create a Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District. Its purpose would be to remove sediment, debris, sand, and gravel from Lake Houston and its tributaries to restore, maintain, and expand the Lake to mitigate storm flows.
After Harvey, the Army Corps of engineers recommended a regular maintenance dredging program to reduce future flooding. This is it.
The District would have a board appointed by Harris County Commissioners, the Houston City Council, the Houston Mayor and the Harris County Judge.
The District would remove debris under and on the water of Lake Houston and its tributaries, but would be prohibited from doing so in such a way that it would impact water quality or water treatment costs. Dredgers would have to obtain approval from Houston Public Works before conducting any operations.
They could take sand and gravel from Lake Houston and its tributaries without paying a fee or tax.
Before beginning operations, the District would also conduct a funding study. Presumably at a minimum, that would estimate how much money it could make by selling dirt removed from the lake. Such dirt could be used as fill to raise homes and roads.
The District would also have authority to issue revenue bonds and could receive up to $25 million per year for the next two years from the state during that start-up period. It could not impose any taxes or fees.
SB1366
Senate Bill 1366 redirects surplus revenue from the economic stabilization fund to the Flood Infrastructure Fund. The State’s Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) has turned into one of the main sources of funding for Texas Water Development Board grants and one of the main ways that smaller counties and cities can fund flood projects.
FIF covers a wide variety of projects related to flood mitigation and resilience.
Because both revenue estimates and budgets are still in flux, it’s unclear at this point exactly how much would be transferred, according to Senator Brandon Creighton’s office. Creighton sponsored this bill.
Check back often for more about legislation that could reduce flooding.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 4/12/2023
2053 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.