10/9/25 – Houston City Council Member Fred Flickinger has scheduled another Median Madness event for Saturday October 18 from 8:30 to noon along Northpark Drive between Forest Bluff and Bassingham Drives.
Join District E, Trees for Kingwood and Houston Parks for a community cleanup of the medians in Kingwood!
It will involve picking up trash and trimming underbrush along the curb line to enhance aesthetics and safety.
To ensure your safety, the inside lanes of Northpark Drive will be closed for parking and cleanup.
The work area stretches from slightly east of Woodland Hills Drive for two blocks. See below.
Median Madness area circled in red.
Sign Up Now
Please confirm your attendance by signing up now. Once registered, you’ll receive an email with a waiver and helpful tips to prepare for the event. Be sure to complete the waiver and bring a printed copy with you on the day of Median Madness, October 18th.
What to Bring, Wear
And please remember to bring water, gloves, and wear closed-toe shoes. Tools will be available for use, but organizers encourage you to bring your own tools if possible. All ages are welcome, though those under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
Long-Range Weather Forecast Beautiful
Previous Median Madness events focused on Kingwood Drive. One scheduled last Spring for Northpark was cancelled because of weather. But the long-range forecast for the 18th indicates the weather should be sunny and seventy.
The Power of People Working Together to Improve Their Community
The first two Median Madness events drew huge crowds of volunteers from all over Kingwood who had had enough of unsightly vines encroaching on traffic and narrowing lanes. Their efforts can still be seen today.
Kingwood Drive Median Madness event in November 2024.
Despite the hard work and sweat, you saw nothing but smiles as volunteers worked side by side and tore into the vines. So mark your calendars for Saturday, October 18.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/9/25
2963 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/20251009-Median-Madness-3-cropped.jpg?fit=1100%2C678&ssl=16781100adminadmin2025-10-09 15:23:292025-10-09 15:23:29Median Madness Round 3 Coming October 18
“If they don’t hustle up pretty soon, Uncle Bob, we could lose all that money. They dug us into a hole without digging many holes.”
“Yes, Izzy, it appears things have slowed way down. They’re just not building those stormwater-detention basins and channel-conveyance improvements as fast as they used to.”
“I gotta get me one of dem govmint jobs. The less you do, the more you make.”
“I don’t think that’s true, Izzy. I know a lot of hard-working public servants.”
“I sure could use the money, Uncle Bob. Anyway, qualifications is highly overrated. A job like that needs leadership ability.”
“I know you just got promoted to head bagger down at the Walmart, but…”
“Damn straight,” he exclaimed. “That’s because people like to work with me. My hands is always flyin’. I make everyone around me look good.”
“You are fast. I’ll give you that, Izzy.”
“And after work, I’m not afraid to tip back a few with the crew, too,” said Izzy, scratching his belly.
“I can see that.”
Lessons from Leadership School
“People gotta wanna work their hardest for ya, Uncle Bob. That’s what they done taught me in leadership school.”
“That’s very true, Izzy. But the people at Flood Control say they’re waiting on permits from other agencies like the Army Corps and EPA.”
“My point, presactly. See, I coulda introduced ’em to some dancers down at the Crystal Pistol. I woulda had those permits in a heartbeat, Uncle Bob.”
“I’m not sure that’s ethical, Izzy.”
“Why not? I’d be doing a public service for public servants. And probably savin’ taxpayers money in the long run.”
“Izzy!”
“What’s wrong, Uncle Bob?”
“It’s just not ethical.”
“You gotta understand how the game is played, Uncle Bob. I saw it all the time when I worked down at the lounge.”
Uncle Bob Sees Orange
“Enough, Izzy! It’s not legal either. You wouldn’t look good in orange.”
“OK, OK. But I’d find a way to get them permits … a legal way.”
“And what would that be?”
“Just like in school. Wait till the last minute and tell the teacher you need an extension.”
“They appear to be doing that now, Izzy. And they’ve already been told there won’t be any more extensions.”
“Welllllll then… just sayin’. Foxy Roxy flooded in Harvey, Uncle Bob. And she can be very discrete.”
“Does she have an engineering degree?”
________________
Satire by Bob Rehak on 10/8/25
2962 Days since 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/2025/10/Incremental-No-Callouts-2025-10-06-at-11.55.06-AM-e1759960584664.png?fit=1100%2C425&ssl=14251100adminadmin2025-10-08 16:49:442025-10-08 16:56:35Weird Nephew Izzy Has Fix for HCFCD Slowdown
10/7/2025 – Newly posted spending figures on the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) website for the third quarter of 2025 show a continuing slowdown in spending. Last quarter, HCFCD spending fell below where we started after the flood-bond election in 2018 … almost to a quarter of what it was at the peak under previous management.
Adjusted for 25% inflation during the period shown, the drop off is even more dramatic. Yet we have more than $3 billion waiting to be spent for flood-mitigation projects.
HCFCD explained the delays by saying it is troubleshooting and working through issues related to each of the projects on its plate. When asked for details, a HCFCD spokesperson cited environmental and Army Corps permitting as examples.
HCFCD on Track to Spend $80 Million Less This Year than Last
The first shows incremental spending since the start of the 2018 flood bond.Last period reflects nine months.The second shows that spending in 2024 totaled $246 million.And the third shows that in the first 9-months of 2025, HCFCD spent only about half ($125 million) of the 2024 total.
At the current rate, annualized 2025 would equal $167 million. That’s $80 million less than last year’s total – a third less.
Only $2.1 Billion Spent after 7 Years
This graph shows that flood-bond spending to date totals almost $2.1 billion out of the $5.2 that voters and partners have pledged.
Screen capture from Microsoft Power BI chart on HCFCD Activity page showing breakdown of spending to date.
Out of that, spending in 2025 Q3 totaled approximately $33 million
During the third quarter, HCFCD spent at a rate lower than before the bond, especially when discounting for inflation.
Importance of Speed: Inflation and Deadlines
The first graph above (spending by quarter since 2018) shows two distinct trends: one up and the other down. The difference largely coincides with a management change in 2021.
The decline in the rate of project spending continues to concern flood victims. Not only do delays expose residents to more flood risk, delays also take a toll in inflation. Partially as a result, County Commissioners have already adopted a plan that trims the flood-bond project list. In making cuts, they focused on three primary factors:
Expected benefits that didn’t materialize
Projects that failed to attract matching funds
Projects that had low equity scores.
But there’s another threat: looming deadlines from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In May 2021, GLO Commissioner George P. Bush announced that Harris County would receive $750 million.
However, the Disaster Relief grants come with a firm deadline of 2/28/27 – less than 15 months away. One former HCFCD employee told me that it typically takes 2 years to develop a detention-basin project. But another one told me HCFCD can put the pedal to the metal and do it in less time – if pushed.
The question at this point is, “Can HCFCD’s current management push hard and fast enough to get the jobs done before time runs out?” All of the HUD money is on a reimbursement basis. So, not finishing projects in time puts hundreds of millions at risk.
Of the Disaster Relief projects that have received authorization to use government funds so far, one is in construction – Arbor Oaks on White Oak Bayou.
In sharp contrast, according to the GLO, Phase II of the Brookglen Stormwater Detention Basin received authorization to use government funds in August 2024. And HCFCD anticipates advertising it for bids in November 2025.
Harris County’s purchasing database shows that, so far this year, HCFCD has only bid six capital improvement projects. Now it must bid and complete more than 30 projects in the next 2+ years to avoid losing close to a billion dollars.
Even my Weird Nephew Izzy understands that math. He called today and said, “We dug ourselves into a hole without digging many holes, Uncle Bob.” Longtime readers may remember that Nephew Izzy applied for the job of HCFCD executive director in 2021. Fortunately or unfortunately, he didn’t get the job. For Izzy’s take on all this, come back tomorrow.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/7/2025
2961 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Q3-25-Spending-e1759876554808.png?fit=1100%2C660&ssl=16601100adminadmin2025-10-07 17:58:192025-10-07 18:14:182025 Q3 HCFCD Spending Figures Show Continuing Decline
Median Madness Round 3 Coming October 18
10/9/25 – Houston City Council Member Fred Flickinger has scheduled another Median Madness event for Saturday October 18 from 8:30 to noon along Northpark Drive between Forest Bluff and Bassingham Drives.
Join District E, Trees for Kingwood and Houston Parks for a community cleanup of the medians in Kingwood!
It will involve picking up trash and trimming underbrush along the curb line to enhance aesthetics and safety.
To ensure your safety, the inside lanes of Northpark Drive will be closed for parking and cleanup.
The work area stretches from slightly east of Woodland Hills Drive for two blocks. See below.
Sign Up Now
Please confirm your attendance by signing up now. Once registered, you’ll receive an email with a waiver and helpful tips to prepare for the event. Be sure to complete the waiver and bring a printed copy with you on the day of Median Madness, October 18th.
What to Bring, Wear
And please remember to bring water, gloves, and wear closed-toe shoes. Tools will be available for use, but organizers encourage you to bring your own tools if possible. All ages are welcome, though those under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
Long-Range Weather Forecast Beautiful
Previous Median Madness events focused on Kingwood Drive. One scheduled last Spring for Northpark was cancelled because of weather. But the long-range forecast for the 18th indicates the weather should be sunny and seventy.
The Power of People Working Together to Improve Their Community
The first two Median Madness events drew huge crowds of volunteers from all over Kingwood who had had enough of unsightly vines encroaching on traffic and narrowing lanes. Their efforts can still be seen today.
Despite the hard work and sweat, you saw nothing but smiles as volunteers worked side by side and tore into the vines. So mark your calendars for Saturday, October 18.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/9/25
2963 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Weird Nephew Izzy Has Fix for HCFCD Slowdown
More than four years after being awarded almost a billion dollars in HUD money for more than 30 flood mitigation and disaster recovery projects, Harris County Flood Control District has actually started building only one of the jobs. If it misses rapidly approaching deadlines, it could lose the money, a fact that has not escaped my Weird Nephew Izzy.
Izzy applied for the job of HCFCD executive director in 2021, but didn’t get it. When he stopped by yesterday, he was still a tad bitter.
Izzy Does Some Armchair Quarterbacking
“If they don’t hustle up pretty soon, Uncle Bob, we could lose all that money. They dug us into a hole without digging many holes.”
“Yes, Izzy, it appears things have slowed way down. They’re just not building those stormwater-detention basins and channel-conveyance improvements as fast as they used to.”
“I gotta get me one of dem govmint jobs. The less you do, the more you make.”
“I don’t think that’s true, Izzy. I know a lot of hard-working public servants.”
“Well, look at Flood Control, Uncle Bob.”
“What about it?”
“They’re doin’ less and less. But their executive director just got a $90,000 raise. They shoulda done hired ME for that job, Uncle Bob.”
“But Izzy, you weren’t qualified.”
“I sure could use the money, Uncle Bob. Anyway, qualifications is highly overrated. A job like that needs leadership ability.”
“I know you just got promoted to head bagger down at the Walmart, but…”
“Damn straight,” he exclaimed. “That’s because people like to work with me. My hands is always flyin’. I make everyone around me look good.”
“You are fast. I’ll give you that, Izzy.”
“And after work, I’m not afraid to tip back a few with the crew, too,” said Izzy, scratching his belly.
“I can see that.”
Lessons from Leadership School
“People gotta wanna work their hardest for ya, Uncle Bob. That’s what they done taught me in leadership school.”
“That’s very true, Izzy. But the people at Flood Control say they’re waiting on permits from other agencies like the Army Corps and EPA.”
“My point, presactly. See, I coulda introduced ’em to some dancers down at the Crystal Pistol. I woulda had those permits in a heartbeat, Uncle Bob.”
“I’m not sure that’s ethical, Izzy.”
“Why not? I’d be doing a public service for public servants. And probably savin’ taxpayers money in the long run.”
“Izzy!”
“What’s wrong, Uncle Bob?”
“It’s just not ethical.”
“You gotta understand how the game is played, Uncle Bob. I saw it all the time when I worked down at the lounge.”
Uncle Bob Sees Orange
“Enough, Izzy! It’s not legal either. You wouldn’t look good in orange.”
“OK, OK. But I’d find a way to get them permits … a legal way.”
“And what would that be?”
“Just like in school. Wait till the last minute and tell the teacher you need an extension.”
“They appear to be doing that now, Izzy. And they’ve already been told there won’t be any more extensions.”
“Welllllll then… just sayin’. Foxy Roxy flooded in Harvey, Uncle Bob. And she can be very discrete.”
“Does she have an engineering degree?”
________________
Satire by Bob Rehak on 10/8/25
2962 Days since 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.
2025 Q3 HCFCD Spending Figures Show Continuing Decline
10/7/2025 – Newly posted spending figures on the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) website for the third quarter of 2025 show a continuing slowdown in spending. Last quarter, HCFCD spending fell below where we started after the flood-bond election in 2018 … almost to a quarter of what it was at the peak under previous management.
Adjusted for 25% inflation during the period shown, the drop off is even more dramatic. Yet we have more than $3 billion waiting to be spent for flood-mitigation projects.
HCFCD explained the delays by saying it is troubleshooting and working through issues related to each of the projects on its plate. When asked for details, a HCFCD spokesperson cited environmental and Army Corps permitting as examples.
HCFCD on Track to Spend $80 Million Less This Year than Last
These three screen captures from the HCFCD Activity page show the slowdown.
At the current rate, annualized 2025 would equal $167 million. That’s $80 million less than last year’s total – a third less.
Only $2.1 Billion Spent after 7 Years
This graph shows that flood-bond spending to date totals almost $2.1 billion out of the $5.2 that voters and partners have pledged.
Out of that, spending in 2025 Q3 totaled approximately $33 million
Importance of Speed: Inflation and Deadlines
The first graph above (spending by quarter since 2018) shows two distinct trends: one up and the other down. The difference largely coincides with a management change in 2021.
But HCFCD has more than $3 billion at its disposal in flood-bond and partnership funds.
The decline in the rate of project spending continues to concern flood victims. Not only do delays expose residents to more flood risk, delays also take a toll in inflation. Partially as a result, County Commissioners have already adopted a plan that trims the flood-bond project list. In making cuts, they focused on three primary factors:
But there’s another threat: looming deadlines from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In May 2021, GLO Commissioner George P. Bush announced that Harris County would receive $750 million.
Since then, the total has risen. HUD awarded HCFCD $541 million in CDBG-Mitigation grants and $322 million in CDBG-Disaster Relief Grants for a total of $863 million.
However, the Disaster Relief grants come with a firm deadline of 2/28/27 – less than 15 months away. One former HCFCD employee told me that it typically takes 2 years to develop a detention-basin project. But another one told me HCFCD can put the pedal to the metal and do it in less time – if pushed.
The question at this point is, “Can HCFCD’s current management push hard and fast enough to get the jobs done before time runs out?” All of the HUD money is on a reimbursement basis. So, not finishing projects in time puts hundreds of millions at risk.
Of the Disaster Relief projects that have received authorization to use government funds so far, one is in construction – Arbor Oaks on White Oak Bayou.
In sharp contrast, according to the GLO, Phase II of the Brookglen Stormwater Detention Basin received authorization to use government funds in August 2024. And HCFCD anticipates advertising it for bids in November 2025.
Harris County’s purchasing database shows that, so far this year, HCFCD has only bid six capital improvement projects. Now it must bid and complete more than 30 projects in the next 2+ years to avoid losing close to a billion dollars.
Even my Weird Nephew Izzy understands that math. He called today and said, “We dug ourselves into a hole without digging many holes, Uncle Bob.” Longtime readers may remember that Nephew Izzy applied for the job of HCFCD executive director in 2021. Fortunately or unfortunately, he didn’t get the job. For Izzy’s take on all this, come back tomorrow.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/7/2025
2961 Days since Hurricane Harvey