Today, the Texas Water Development Board formally approved the $30 million grant that will extend the mouth bar dredging program started by the City of Houston last week. Approval had been expected, but in the often-delayed world of flood mitigation projects, the signed deal was a welcome relief. This means that mouth bar dredging can continue in a timely way before hurricane season starts.
Phase One will focus on the West Fork Mouth Bar using the City’s $6 million and $10 million from the grant.
Phase Two will focus on the East Fork Mouth Bar using the remaining $20 million from the grant.
The $10 million from the County flood bond will fund surveys, formulation of specs, bidding, project management and more.
Going Beyond Harvey Dredging
Since Harvey, dredging efforts have focused on identifying and removing deposits related strictly to Hurricane Harvey itself. See below.
Previous phases of dredging focused upstream of the fat blue area near the mouth bar.
Recently completed projects effectively removed sediment deposited by Hurricane Harvey; however, more dredging needs to be completed in the area farthest to the right. That will help restore conveyance and reduce flooding by removing a sediment dam behind the dam. It should also help improve lake capacity.
Additional details on dredging plans and progress reports should become available in the coming weeks. In the meantime, crews appeared to be busy assembling equipment today at the old docks used by the Army Corps.
Crews assembling braces on pontoon that will hold the spudpoles. The spudpoles will hold the pontoon in place while a mechanical excavator scoops sediment into waiting barges to ferry it back to the placement area.Photo taken 1/16/2020.
The City plans to kick off the program with mechanical dredging equipment because it can mobilize quickly. At some point, they may switch over to hydraulic dredging to take advantage of that technology’s greater efficiencies.
The Great Lakes Dredge from Phase 1 is still sitting at the Army Corps dock in pieces while new equipment mobilizes around it. Rumor has it that the Great Lakes dredge is for sale. Photo taken 1/16/2020.
Huberty has already started lobbying for additional funding to help with longer-term maintenance dredging.
Two More Steps Before Kicking Into High Gear
Late today, John Blount, Harris County Engineer who authored the grant request said that there are two more formalities before the program can kick into high gear.
Harris County Commissioners Court, which previously approved the grant request, must now also approve receipt of the award and sign an inter-local agreement with the City of Houston. The latter will govern the working relationship between the City and County. The next Commissioners Court meets on January 28.
The permit to use Berry Madden’s property as a placement area must be amended to accept mechanical dredging spoils, not just hydraulic.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/16/2020
870 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/20200116-RJR_6419.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=18001200adminadmin2020-01-16 19:30:132020-01-16 19:50:27Texas Water Development Board Approves $30 Million Grant for Mouth Bar Dredging
MoCo commissioners don’t make the decision to continue the policy. Their resolution shows only symbolic support for Lake Conroe residents. The SJRA board will make the final decision. So Daryl Palmer’s valiant solo appearance won’t necessarily end this story. But if “diffusion of responsibility” similarly affects turnout at the next SJRA board meeting, I fear that will send a message to the SJRA board. That message: downstream residents no longer care.
Ten Two Letter Words That Make All the Difference in the World
Somebody told me once about ten two-letter words that make all the difference in the world.
“If it is to be, it is up to me.”
I’ve tried to live my life by those words since then. Unfortunately, yesterday, I had a meeting conflict and could not attend the MoCo commissioner’s meeting.
When people believe success requires their involvement, most get involved. If you care about your community and neighbors who flooded, I challenge each of you to come to the next SJRA board meeting. Tell why lowering Lake Conroe is important to you personally.
Photo courtesy of Laura Vowinkle. Shows Kingwood Town Center Apartments during Harvey. That’s the top of an SUV in the foreground. These apartments are more than a mile north of the West Fork.
US59 During Harvey after the Lake Conroe release. Looking south from Sorters-McClellan overpass toward the Deerbrook Mall and Humble commercial district. Photo courtesy of Melinda Ray.
During the Lake Conroe release, Janet Wilson lost her home, two cars, 48 years worth of family heirlooms, pictures, books, keepsakes and furniture. She says the greatest damage though was the two years it took to restore family’s life; time that could have been spent with her aging and now deceased parents.
Another photo of Janet Wilson’s life on the curb.
Lowering Lake Conroe seasonally until other mitigation measures are complete is insurance. You don’t use insurance every year. But who would own a home or drive a car without it. The costs could be catastrophic.
Don’t think the SJRA board will automatically do the right thing.
Don’t rely on our political representatives to carry the day. They face opposition from representatives on the other side of this question.
Don’t assume that your voice won’t make a difference.
Don’t believe that because you didn’t flood, your home’s value was not affected.
Don’t pretend flooding could not happen again.
Four 100-year or greater storms hit this area in the last five years.
So act on those ten two-letter words. “If it is to be, it is up to me.”
Make Your Voice Heard
BOARD OF DIRECTORS SPECIAL MEETING DATES, TIME, AND LOCATION
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
6pm at Lone Star Convention and Expo Center
9055 Airport Road, Conroe, Texas 77303.
Doors open at 5pm.
Thursday, February 20, 2020
6pm at Lone Star Convention and Expo Center
9055 Airport Road, Conroe, Texas 77303
Doors open at 5pm.
Those wishing to address the board or register a comment at a special meeting may fill out a Comment Registration Form https://www.sjra.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Comment-Registration-Form_01062020.pdf. Comment Registration Forms may be submitted at the special meeting. The form may not be mailed, emailed, or dropped off prior to the meeting date.
The SJRA Board of Directors also welcomes input regarding the seasonal lake lowering strategy via mail or email. To contact the Board please visit: https://www.sjra.net/about/board/. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the email form. Or email floodmanagementdivision@sjra.net.
The Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce has automated email that makes the process easy. But original emails that tell your particular story likely will carry far more weight.
Tomorrow, I will add a special page to this web site. It will contain all the information you need to compose your own letter or prepare spoken comments. Please continue to send in your photos of Harvey via the Submissions page on this web site so that we can dramatize the difference between real and perceived damages. In the meantime…
Don’t let diffusion of responsibility victimize you a second time.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/15/2020
869 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Kingwood-Town-Center-Apts.jpg?fit=1200%2C563&ssl=15631200adminadmin2020-01-15 18:45:102020-01-17 08:52:46Lake Lowering and Diffusion of Responsibility
Everyone from County Commissioners to people on the street are picking up sides.
MoCo Commissioners Oppose Lowering in Split Vote
In a 3-2 vote this morning, Montgomery County Commissioners approved a resolution to OPPOSE the seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe. Judge Keough, Commissioner Meador and Commissioner Noack voted FOR the resolution. Commissioners Riley and Metts voted against.
Despite the news from Montgomery County, other local leaders released letters SUPPORTING the continuation of the policy.
Houston At-Large Council Member Sallie Alcorn Supports Lowering
Sallie Alcorn, Houston City Council Member At-Large, Position 5, sent the SJRA a letter supporting the continuation of the lake lowering policy. Ms. Alcorn, a new member of City Council, used to work with Chief Recovery Officer Stephen Costello and saw first hand how the lake lowering strategy helped prevent flooding in May of last year. See the full text of her letter below.
Sallie Alcorn Letter supporting lake lowering.
Woodlands Leader Robert Leilich Supports Lowering
Robert Leilich, president of Municipal Utility District #1 in the Woodlands, wrote a poignant letter to the SJRA board expressing his own personal experience and opinions.
January 14, 2020
Dear SJRA Board Members,
I witnessed first-hand the devastation wreaked by the necessity to open Lake Conroe’s Tainter Gates during Hurricane Harvey. I worked in a home of a disabled veteran in River Plantation that had recently recovered from the Memorial Day Flood. Water in this home went from a few inches up to ten feet in a matter of a few hours after the gates were opened. I spent many hours pulling down wallboard from the ceiling and walls after it ruined everything. Over 400 homes were flooded in River Plantation, alone, most of which would not have flooded if it were possible to not open the gates.
Taking steps to utilize the capability of Lake Conroe to contain more floodwaters beyond its current limited capabilities is a positive step to mitigate or prevent future flooding by waters flowing from Lake Conroe. This common-sense flood prevention capability must take precedence over minor inconveniences to a few homeowners and businesses, who greatly exaggerate claims of harm and loss. After all, the primary purpose to building the lake in the first place was never to serve those interests. SJRA has no obligation to give priority to these interests over the welfare of residents downstream of the dam.
In 1917, an amendment to the Texas constitution, referred to as the “Conservation Amendment,” authorized the Legislature “to create governmental entities with the authority to develop large-scale, regional projects, such as dams, reservoirs, and delivery systems, for the purpose of conserving and developing the state’s water resources, including the control, storing, preservation, and distribution of its storm and flood waters, the water of its rivers and streams, for irrigation, power, and all other useful purposes…” (from SJRA ‘s 75th Anniversary brochure, page 5).
In 1937, the San Jacinto River Conservation and Reclamation District (now SJRA) was formed “to develop, conserve, and protect the water resources of the San Jacinto River basin.” Enabling legislation also gave the Authority rights “to impound flood waters.” It is entirely appropriate and prudent that the SJRA exercise this authority.
The present policy to temporarily drop lake levels one-foot in the spring and two-feet in August and September is a fair compromise between flood prevention and recreation.
Since Governor Abbott directed the SJRA on March 15, 2018, to implement immediate and long-term solutions to protect lives and property of Texans living in the watershed, the SJRA Board has taken positive action. It is my hope that the Board will continue to follow the Governor’s directives when the board once again considers the temporary and seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe, continuing the present policy until (and if) more permanent flood control measures are implemented.
The ability of Lake Conroe to mitigate potential flooding was demonstrated during the May 10, 2019, rain event. (SJRA data from the May 2019 floods show that had no releases occurred prior to the event, Lake Conroe would have been forced to release at a higher CFS during the event.) Lowering Lake Conroe protected numerous lives, homes and businesses.
Access to lake recreation should never be at the expense of endangering lives downstream, especially considering the Charter of the SJRA states that its express purpose was for responsible water management. Further, if the Board chooses to not continue lowering Lake Conroe, it would be out of compliance with Governor Abbott’s mandate.
The San Jacinto River Authority has a legal and moral responsibility to many more people than just those who live and work around Lake Conroe. It is my hope and expectation that the SJRA Board will continue the present policy that is proving to protect lives and property against those who have a sense of entitlement that supersedes public interests.
I respectfully request that you vote in favor of the temporary, seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe on February 20, 2020.
Very truly yours, (Signed) Robert H. Leilich President, MUD #1
Lake Houston Area Grassroots Flood Prevention Initiative Supports Lowering
The Lake Houston Area Grassroots Flood Prevention Initiative supports the Lake Houston Chamber to mobilize people throughout the region. The Grassroots organization sent the following note to its members on Monday afternoon.
Dear ______________:
On Tuesday, Jan 7th, the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce sent an email highlighting the various ways you can support the SJRA’s temporary seasonal Lake Lowering program for 2020.
We encourage everyone to be involved in any way you can. So, if you are not able to attend the SJRA Public Board meeting on Tuesday January 21st meeting at 6:00 pm at the Lone Star Convention and Expo Center, we encourage you to send an email to the SJRA board members sharing your support of this temporary lake lowering program. The Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce has created a very easy way to send an email via the RecoverLakeHouston.com website. It only takes a few seconds to complete their form. We highly recommend using this method to send an email.
In the Lake Houston Long Term Recovery Task Force Meeting this morning, the Lake Houston Area Chamber reported as of this morning, 689 emails had been sent via RecoverLakeHouston.com. While that is a good start, we are confident that with your help we can exceed 2000 emails to show SJRA that the Lake Houston area appreciates their support in providing temporary solutions to reduce the flood risk. So please share in your social media feeds and on Nextdoor to help spread the word. If it is easier to share directly from the Lake Houston Area Chambers Facebook post, the link is https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10158743067093357&substory_index=0&id=139473188356
It is important for EVERYONE to be involved as the Lake Conroe Association which is requesting SJRA to “Stop The Drop” is growing. They have obtained support from State Representative Will Metcalf and State Senator Robert Nichols. Bob Rehak with ReduceFlooding.com shared a recent blog post that includes the letters.
Again thank for being involved and please help spread the word.
Sincerely,
Lake Houston Area Grassroots Flood Prevention Initiative
Lake Houston Chamber Supports Lowering
The Lake Houston Chamber sent this letter to members.
January 7, 2020
I am calling on you, once again, to help us protect the Lake Houston Area from future flooding. We are launching a “Lives Over Levels” email campaign to the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) Board of Directors requesting their approval of temporary, seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe in 2020. The SJRA Board meets on January 21 to hear comments and again on February 20 to call the vote.
As you may recall, our area fought hard to initiate a seasonal lake lowering program during the wettest months of our year and in the height of hurricane season. The lake lowering program calls for Lake Conroe to be lowered 1 ft. below Lake Conroe’s normal pool elevation during the months of April and May and by 2 ft. below normal pool elevation in the months of August and September. The seasonal lowering program must be approved by the SJRA Board each February.
An organized group of homeowners on Lake Conroe has recently launched a campaign to the SJRA Board and a petition to Governor Abbott to stop the temporary and seasonal lowering program. They contend the temporary, seasonal lake lowering program impedes lakefront residents’ ability to get their boats from their slips during months with lower lake levels. They also claim that the lake lowering program has no scientific basis of flood protection and is thus merely offers a “placebo effect” for Lake Houstonians.
However, as residents and business professionals in Lake Houston, we know the benefits the seasonal and temporary lowering of Lake Conroe has had on our area and we also have data which proves seasonal lowering mitigated flooding.
HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP: SEND an email to the SJRA Board Members through our RecoverLakeHouston.com site.
SHARE the RecoverLakeHouston.com site with your employees, co-workers, friends, neighbors, and customers so they can also participate in the campaign. Forward this email and engage their participation.
SPREAD the campaign on social media using #LivesOverLevels #SJRA #RecoverLakeHouston. To make it easy, simply share posts from our Lake Houston Area Chamber social media pages. SJRA On Twitter: @SJRA_1937 SJRA On Facebook: @SanJacintoRiverAuthority SJRA on Instagram: @sanjacintoriverauthoritysjra
SHOW UP to the SJRA Board Meetings at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, January 21 and Tuesday, February 20 at the Lone Star Convention and Expo Center located at 9055 Airport Road, Conroe, Texas 77303. The opposition group in Lake Conroe will have several hundred people attend.
The future of the Lake Houston Area depends largely on our community rallying together, fighting for action to prevent flooding.
Join me in support of this campaign,
Jenna Armstrong, IOM President & CEO Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce
Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/14/2020
868 Days after Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/image-4.png?fit=960%2C540&ssl=1540960adminadmin2020-01-14 18:38:212020-01-17 08:53:57More People, Groups Line Up For, Against Lowering of Lake Conroe
Texas Water Development Board Approves $30 Million Grant for Mouth Bar Dredging
Today, the Texas Water Development Board formally approved the $30 million grant that will extend the mouth bar dredging program started by the City of Houston last week. Approval had been expected, but in the often-delayed world of flood mitigation projects, the signed deal was a welcome relief. This means that mouth bar dredging can continue in a timely way before hurricane season starts.
Pieces of Puzzle Now in Place
The TWDB grant stemmed from an amendment to SB500 offered by State Representative Dan Huberty in the last legislative session. It will be combined with $6 million that the City had left over from a FEMA grant through the Texas Division of Emergency Management and $10 million allocated to dredging in the 2018 Harris County Flood Bond.
Harris County’s proposal for the grant calls for splitting the project into two phases.
Going Beyond Harvey Dredging
Since Harvey, dredging efforts have focused on identifying and removing deposits related strictly to Hurricane Harvey itself. See below.
Recently completed projects effectively removed sediment deposited by Hurricane Harvey; however, more dredging needs to be completed in the area farthest to the right. That will help restore conveyance and reduce flooding by removing a sediment dam behind the dam. It should also help improve lake capacity.
Additional details on dredging plans and progress reports should become available in the coming weeks. In the meantime, crews appeared to be busy assembling equipment today at the old docks used by the Army Corps.
The City plans to kick off the program with mechanical dredging equipment because it can mobilize quickly. At some point, they may switch over to hydraulic dredging to take advantage of that technology’s greater efficiencies.
Huberty has already started lobbying for additional funding to help with longer-term maintenance dredging.
Two More Steps Before Kicking Into High Gear
Late today, John Blount, Harris County Engineer who authored the grant request said that there are two more formalities before the program can kick into high gear.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/16/2020
870 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Lake Lowering and Diffusion of Responsibility
Social psychologists call it “diffusion of responsibility.” People tend to shun responsibility for action or inaction when others are present. Individuals assume that others will take action or have already done so. We saw an example that yesterday when exactly one person from Kingwood protested a resolution in MoCo Commissioners Court to stop lowering Lake Conroe seasonally. The motion then passed 3 to 2.
One Individual Rarely Swings Political Tides
Daryl Palmer made a valiant effort to sway the MoCo commissioners, but in a political context, one person rarely has enough clout.
To see Daryl’s testimony click on item 7 at this link. To see the “debate” over the resolution, click on item 8.
The lake lowering strategy helps mitigate flooding. It is temporary while other mitigation measures are implemented. Those include dredging the West Fork mouth bar and adding more floodgates to Lake Houston. Both will help evacuate water faster during floods.
MoCo commissioners don’t make the decision to continue the policy. Their resolution shows only symbolic support for Lake Conroe residents. The SJRA board will make the final decision. So Daryl Palmer’s valiant solo appearance won’t necessarily end this story. But if “diffusion of responsibility” similarly affects turnout at the next SJRA board meeting, I fear that will send a message to the SJRA board. That message: downstream residents no longer care.
Ten Two Letter Words That Make All the Difference in the World
Somebody told me once about ten two-letter words that make all the difference in the world.
I’ve tried to live my life by those words since then. Unfortunately, yesterday, I had a meeting conflict and could not attend the MoCo commissioner’s meeting.
When people believe success requires their involvement, most get involved. If you care about your community and neighbors who flooded, I challenge each of you to come to the next SJRA board meeting. Tell why lowering Lake Conroe is important to you personally.
Lowering Lake Conroe seasonally until other mitigation measures are complete is insurance. You don’t use insurance every year. But who would own a home or drive a car without it. The costs could be catastrophic.
So act on those ten two-letter words. “If it is to be, it is up to me.”
Make Your Voice Heard
BOARD OF DIRECTORS SPECIAL MEETING DATES, TIME, AND LOCATION
Those wishing to address the board or register a comment at a special meeting may fill out a Comment Registration Form https://www.sjra.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Comment-Registration-Form_01062020.pdf. Comment Registration Forms may be submitted at the special meeting. The form may not be mailed, emailed, or dropped off prior to the meeting date.
The SJRA Board of Directors also welcomes input regarding the seasonal lake lowering strategy via mail or email. To contact the Board please visit: https://www.sjra.net/about/board/. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the email form. Or email floodmanagementdivision@sjra.net.
The Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce has automated email that makes the process easy. But original emails that tell your particular story likely will carry far more weight.
Tomorrow, I will add a special page to this web site. It will contain all the information you need to compose your own letter or prepare spoken comments. Please continue to send in your photos of Harvey via the Submissions page on this web site so that we can dramatize the difference between real and perceived damages. In the meantime…
Don’t let diffusion of responsibility victimize you a second time.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/15/2020
869 Days since Hurricane Harvey
More People, Groups Line Up For, Against Lowering of Lake Conroe
Everyone from County Commissioners to people on the street are picking up sides.
MoCo Commissioners Oppose Lowering in Split Vote
In a 3-2 vote this morning, Montgomery County Commissioners approved a resolution to OPPOSE the seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe. Judge Keough, Commissioner Meador and Commissioner Noack voted FOR the resolution. Commissioners Riley and Metts voted against.
Despite the news from Montgomery County, other local leaders released letters SUPPORTING the continuation of the policy.
Houston At-Large Council Member Sallie Alcorn Supports Lowering
Sallie Alcorn, Houston City Council Member At-Large, Position 5, sent the SJRA a letter supporting the continuation of the lake lowering policy. Ms. Alcorn, a new member of City Council, used to work with Chief Recovery Officer Stephen Costello and saw first hand how the lake lowering strategy helped prevent flooding in May of last year. See the full text of her letter below.
Woodlands Leader Robert Leilich Supports Lowering
Robert Leilich, president of Municipal Utility District #1 in the Woodlands, wrote a poignant letter to the SJRA board expressing his own personal experience and opinions.
January 14, 2020
Dear SJRA Board Members,
I witnessed first-hand the devastation wreaked by the necessity to open Lake Conroe’s Tainter Gates during Hurricane Harvey. I worked in a home of a disabled veteran in River Plantation that had recently recovered from the Memorial Day Flood. Water in this home went from a few inches up to ten feet in a matter of a few hours after the gates were opened. I spent many hours pulling down wallboard from the ceiling and walls after it ruined everything. Over 400 homes were flooded in River Plantation, alone, most of which would not have flooded if it were possible to not open the gates.
Taking steps to utilize the capability of Lake Conroe to contain more floodwaters beyond its current limited capabilities is a positive step to mitigate or prevent future flooding by waters flowing from Lake Conroe. This common-sense flood prevention capability must take precedence over minor inconveniences to a few homeowners and businesses, who greatly exaggerate claims of harm and loss. After all, the primary purpose to building the lake in the first place was never to serve those interests. SJRA has no obligation to give priority to these interests over the welfare of residents downstream of the dam.
In 1917, an amendment to the Texas constitution, referred to as the “Conservation Amendment,” authorized the Legislature “to create governmental entities with the authority to develop large-scale, regional projects, such as dams, reservoirs, and delivery systems, for the purpose of conserving and developing the state’s water resources, including the control, storing, preservation, and distribution of its storm and flood waters, the water of its rivers and streams, for irrigation, power, and all other useful purposes…” (from SJRA ‘s 75th Anniversary brochure, page 5).
In 1937, the San Jacinto River Conservation and Reclamation District (now SJRA) was formed “to develop, conserve, and protect the water resources of the San Jacinto River basin.” Enabling legislation also gave the Authority rights “to impound flood waters.” It is entirely appropriate and prudent that the SJRA exercise this authority.
Since Governor Abbott directed the SJRA on March 15, 2018, to implement immediate and long-term solutions to protect lives and property of Texans living in the watershed, the SJRA Board has taken positive action. It is my hope that the Board will continue to follow the Governor’s directives when the board once again considers the temporary and seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe, continuing the present policy until (and if) more permanent flood control measures are implemented.
The ability of Lake Conroe to mitigate potential flooding was demonstrated during the May 10, 2019, rain event. (SJRA data from the May 2019 floods show that had no releases occurred prior to the event, Lake Conroe would have been forced to release at a higher CFS during the event.) Lowering Lake Conroe protected numerous lives, homes and businesses.
Access to lake recreation should never be at the expense of endangering lives downstream, especially considering the Charter of the SJRA states that its express purpose was for responsible water management. Further, if the Board chooses to not continue lowering Lake Conroe, it would be out of compliance with Governor Abbott’s mandate.
The San Jacinto River Authority has a legal and moral responsibility to many more people than just those who live and work around Lake Conroe. It is my hope and expectation that the SJRA Board will continue the present policy that is proving to protect lives and property against those who have a sense of entitlement that supersedes public interests.
I respectfully request that you vote in favor of the temporary, seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe on February 20, 2020.
Very truly yours,
(Signed)
Robert H. Leilich
President, MUD #1
Lake Houston Area Grassroots Flood Prevention Initiative Supports Lowering
The Lake Houston Area Grassroots Flood Prevention Initiative supports the Lake Houston Chamber to mobilize people throughout the region. The Grassroots organization sent the following note to its members on Monday afternoon.
Dear ______________:
On Tuesday, Jan 7th, the Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce sent an email highlighting the various ways you can support the SJRA’s temporary seasonal Lake Lowering program for 2020.
We encourage everyone to be involved in any way you can. So, if you are not able to attend the SJRA Public Board meeting on Tuesday January 21st meeting at 6:00 pm at the Lone Star Convention and Expo Center, we encourage you to send an email to the SJRA board members sharing your support of this temporary lake lowering program. The Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce has created a very easy way to send an email via the RecoverLakeHouston.com website. It only takes a few seconds to complete their form. We highly recommend using this method to send an email.
In the Lake Houston Long Term Recovery Task Force Meeting this morning, the Lake Houston Area Chamber reported as of this morning, 689 emails had been sent via RecoverLakeHouston.com. While that is a good start, we are confident that with your help we can exceed 2000 emails to show SJRA that the Lake Houston area appreciates their support in providing temporary solutions to reduce the flood risk. So please share in your social media feeds and on Nextdoor to help spread the word. If it is easier to share directly from the Lake Houston Area Chambers Facebook post, the link is https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10158743067093357&substory_index=0&id=139473188356
It is important for EVERYONE to be involved as the Lake Conroe Association which is requesting SJRA to “Stop The Drop” is growing. They have obtained support from State Representative Will Metcalf and State Senator Robert Nichols. Bob Rehak with ReduceFlooding.com shared a recent blog post that includes the letters.
Again thank for being involved and please help spread the word.
Sincerely,
Lake Houston Area Grassroots Flood Prevention Initiative
Lake Houston Chamber Supports Lowering
The Lake Houston Chamber sent this letter to members.
January 7, 2020
I am calling on you, once again, to help us protect the Lake Houston Area from future flooding. We are launching a “Lives Over Levels” email campaign to the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) Board of Directors requesting their approval of temporary, seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe in 2020. The SJRA Board meets on January 21 to hear comments and again on February 20 to call the vote.
As you may recall, our area fought hard to initiate a seasonal lake lowering program during the wettest months of our year and in the height of hurricane season. The lake lowering program calls for Lake Conroe to be lowered 1 ft. below Lake Conroe’s normal pool elevation during the months of April and May and by 2 ft. below normal pool elevation in the months of August and September. The seasonal lowering program must be approved by the SJRA Board each February.
An organized group of homeowners on Lake Conroe has recently launched a campaign to the SJRA Board and a petition to Governor Abbott to stop the temporary and seasonal lowering program. They contend the temporary, seasonal lake lowering program impedes lakefront residents’ ability to get their boats from their slips during months with lower lake levels. They also claim that the lake lowering program has no scientific basis of flood protection and is thus merely offers a “placebo effect” for Lake Houstonians.
However, as residents and business professionals in Lake Houston, we know the benefits the seasonal and temporary lowering of Lake Conroe has had on our area and we also have data which proves seasonal lowering mitigated flooding.
HERE IS HOW YOU CAN HELP:
SEND an email to the SJRA Board Members through our RecoverLakeHouston.com site.
SHARE the RecoverLakeHouston.com site with your employees, co-workers, friends, neighbors, and customers so they can also participate in the campaign. Forward this email and engage their participation.
SPREAD the campaign on social media using #LivesOverLevels #SJRA #RecoverLakeHouston. To make it easy, simply share posts from our Lake Houston Area Chamber social media pages.
SJRA On Twitter: @SJRA_1937
SJRA On Facebook: @SanJacintoRiverAuthority
SJRA on Instagram: @sanjacintoriverauthoritysjra
SHOW UP to the SJRA Board Meetings at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, January 21 and Tuesday, February 20 at the Lone Star Convention and Expo Center located at 9055 Airport Road, Conroe, Texas 77303. The opposition group in Lake Conroe will have several hundred people attend.
The future of the Lake Houston Area depends largely on our community rallying together, fighting for action to prevent flooding.
Join me in support of this campaign,
Jenna Armstrong, IOM
President & CEO
Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce
Posted by Bob Rehak on 1/14/2020
868 Days after Hurricane Harvey