10/3/25 – Houston City Council Member Fred Flickinger’s Kingwood Town Hall Meeting on 9/30/25 had a lot of great news. Speakers talked about 20+ infrastructure projects in various stages of development. Together, they should help reduce flood risk for people throughout the Lake Houston Area.
In addition, we learned about airport improvements, crime reductions, a family-violence awareness campaign, fire station enhancements, property tax relief, bail reform, help for the homeless, and attempts to balance the city budget.
My Big Surprise
At the end of the presentations, Flickinger called me up to the front of the auditorium to receive a framed proclamation.
Mayor John Whitmire had declared Sept. 30, 2025 to be Bob Rehak Day in Houston.
I had no idea this was about to happen and I hesitate to even mention it, lest it appear like bragging. However, I am grateful that my efforts to reduce flooding seem to be noticed by the community. And even more grateful that I have helped keep flood mitigation high on the public agenda.
Council Member Fred Flickinger (r) presenting Mayor’s Proclamation to Bob Rehak(l).
When I started this blog in 2018, I had two objectives: to raise awareness of the causes of flooding and to advocate for flood mitigation.
Little did I realize at the time how difficult flood mitigation is. Eight years after Harvey, we’re still trying to document needs, develop solutions, prioritize projects, raise funds, and coordinate multiple agencies at all levels of government.
Along the way, I’ve written almost two million words for 2,906 posts and taken 63,122 photos for 1.8 million readers.
The word count alone is especially staggering. To put it in perspective, that’s the equivalent of about 25 average length novels – three a year!
So yes, the recognition was nice. But even nicer was what it was for. The proclamation reads…
Bob Rehak
WHEREAS, Bob Rehak of Kingwood has distinguished himself as a tireless advocate for flood awareness, mitigation and community resilience, documenting local conditions and solutions with clarity and consistency for the benefit of residents, businesses and policy makers alike; and
WHEREAS, through his widely read blog, Reduce Flooding, which features reporting, photography, data visualization, and plain language explanations of complex water and infrastructure issues, Bob Rehak has equipped Houstonians with the tools to make informed decisions about preparedness, recovery, and long term planning; and
WHEREAS, Bob Rehak has collaborated constructively with neighbors, neighborhood associations, nonprofit groups, engineers, and local, regional and state agencies to advance dredging, drainage, watershed management, and other risk reduction efforts that directly impact the Lake Houston area; and
WHEREAS, his persistent, on-the-ground documentation before, during, and after major rain and flood events has elevated community voices, improved transparency, encouraged problem-solving, and supported evidence-based action to protect property; and
WHEREAS, beyond his technical focus, Bob Rehak exemplifies the spirit of public service by showing up, listening, and communicating respectfully, thereby fostering trust between residents and government and helping unite diverse stakeholders around practical, measurable results; and
WHEREAS, the City of Houston commends Bob Rehak for his outstanding contributions to the safety, resilience and well-being of the Lake Houston area and the greater Houston community, and extends gratitude for exemplary service and steadfast advocacy….
Therefore, I, John Whitmire, Mayor of the City of Houston, hereby proclaim September 30th, 2025 as Bob Rehak day in Houston, Texas.
Signed and Sealed
Many Thanks
I was especially pleased with recognition of efforts to document impacts, elevate community voices, improve transparency and support evidence-based action that unites diverse stakeholders around practical, measurable results.
Too often these days, public discourse divides people. We’ve seen far too many sad and sorrowful examples lately of what those divisions can produce. In reality, we have far more that unites us than divides us. We just need to focus on those things. Which is what I intend to continue doing as long as my age and health allow.
Grateful thanks to my readers, Mayor Whitmire; Council Member Flickinger; all the talented public officials, engineers and environmental experts who have helped educate me about flooding; and especially my wife of 50 years – and proofreader for even longer – Dr. Susan Davy.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/3/25
2957 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/20250930-Declaration-Presentation-2.jpg?fit=799%2C1100&ssl=11100799adminadmin2025-10-03 13:46:532025-10-03 15:02:04Kingwood Town Hall Ends with Wonderful Surprise
10/2/25 – Houston City Council Member Fred Flickinger’s Town Hall Meeting on 9/30/25 contained updates on more than 20 infrastructure projects. Yesterday, I discussed three projects related to the Lake Houston Dam: the Gates, Repair, and Replacement Projects.
Today, let me focus on 13 more. They include the Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District; the Kingwood Diversion Ditch; Houston Public Works drainage and bridge projects; and San Jacinto River Authority efforts.
Diversion Ditch and Lake Houston Dredging/Maintenance District
State Representative Charles Cunningham focused on a variety of topics including tax cuts, crime, bail reform, and the Harris County toll-road surplus. He also talked about $100 million that he helped secure in state and federal funding for the new flood gates on Lake Houston and $5 million for the Kingwood Diversion Ditch Project which is now in final design.
Then he focused on HB 1532, his bill to create a Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District. The bill will create a perpetual dredging program financed primarily by sale of the spoils. That will help control sediment buildups that reduce the conveyance of the river, thus contributing to flooding. It will also help restore the storage capacity of the lake itself, improving water supply for a growing population.
Cunningham told me before the meeting that his next priority is to get the Dredging District organized and operational now that the legislative session is over.
He put the dredging district in perspective by saying, “That starts to put us in control of our own destiny regarding flooding. You know, our motto here in Kingwood is The Livable Forest. And we want to make sure that we continue to make it livable. And that dredging bill is going to do that for us.”
Houston Public Works Drainage and Bridge Projects
Later, Ryan Prillman from Houston Public Works discussed a number of drainage and bridge projects that will improve the flow of water (and traffic) in Kingwood.
He began with the Kingwood Drive and Walnut Lane Bridges over the Kingwood Diversion Channel. Estimated cost is $6 million, although the construction start date has not yet been set. The bridges are currently in design.
Red boxes mark location of bridges.
Public Works also plans to replace or rehab the two pedestrian bridges over Bens Branch at Kingwood Drive starting in Spring 2026.
They expect to finish restoring drainage ditches in the Chestnut Ridge area within several months.
Ditto for Drainage Improvements in Sand Creek.
Public Works has also started $18 million worth of repairs to Kingwood’s Central Wastewater Treatment Plant, which was badly flooded during Hurricane Harvey. The repairs could take two years to complete.
San Jacinto River Authority Efforts
Matt Barrett, Flood Management Manager for the SJRA then reviewed six efforts that have the potential to mitigate flooding.
Their Master Drainage Plan includes 16 projects in 3000 square miles across seven counties upstream of Lake Houston.
Barrett began his presentation with a reminder that in that entire area, only the San Jacinto West Fork currently has a water control dam on it: Lake Conroe.
The Lake Conroe Dam on the San Jacinto West Fork controls only 15% of all areas flowing into Lake Houston.
Master Drainage Plan
Barrett then reminded people that the SJRA is not a taxing authority. It has no dedicated funding to fix flooding. It can only facilitate projects by partnering with other entities such as Humble, Houston, and Harris County Flood Control.
One of the first large scale flood-mitigation projects that SJRA worked on was the San Jacinto Mster Drainage Plan in partnership with HCFCD, City of Houston, and Montgomery County. The effort identified 16 large scale projects still in contention for funding. See below.
Birch and Walnut Creek Dams
They included two areas (Birch and Walnut Creeks in green circle above) that are far upstream on Spring Creek. They would be dry bottom detention basins.
SJRA is currently looking for partners to help fund design and construction of the basins.
Sand Traps
Next, Barrett talked about the SJRA’s pilot sand trap study on the West Fork. Goal: to reduce the volume of sediment flowing into the Lake Houston Area.
SJRA’s goal is to work with a sand miner to clean out the trap(s) once they fill up. The study identified several possible sites near the Hallett mine. At the moment, SJRA’s efforts are focused on working with Hallett, using one of their pits no longer in production.
The West Fork has captured the pit in question and is now flowing through it. According to Barrett, SJRA is working to determine if and how the pit and other nearby sites could be used to mitigate sedimentation downstream.
Regional Sedimentation Study
The sediment trap effort is related to a bigger Regional Sedimentation Study. The goals? To determine:
Where does the sediment come from?
What causes it to to run off and go downstream?
Where does it end up?
Said Barrett, “Ultimately, we want to develop a regional sediment management plan that will recommend projects, strategies, best management practices that can help mitigate the flow of sediment downstream and ultimately mitigate flood issues that are caused by sedimentation.”
Lake Conroe/Lake Houston Joint Operations Study
Barrett said, “The goal of this project is to determine the most efficient and safe operation of the two reservoirs in series, both for water supply and flood management purposes. This is especially critical with the upcoming installation of the new gates at the Lake Houston Dam.”
SJRA will support the project, which will include development of an inflow forecasting tool, a gate operations policy, pre-release evaluations, and stakeholder communications.
Upstream Gages
Finally, Barrett discussed a network of gages throughout the region that provide flood warnings. It works with Harris County Flood Control to plan optimum locations. Barrett said, “We’re always looking to add more gauges to that network to have a more comprehensive coverage of the basin.”
You can monitor the gages during rain or flood events at either of the websites listed above.
For More Information
Check back tomorrow for Part III, the last in a series of posts about the Town Hall.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Kingwood-2025-TOWN-HALL-SLIDES-Small_Page_25-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1440&ssl=114402560adminadmin2025-10-02 17:32:212025-10-03 09:24:58Kingwood Town Hall, Part II: Updates on 13 More Flood Mitigation Projects
10/1/25 – City of Houston representatives and their partners discussed the status of more than twenty infrastructure projects including more floodgates for the Lake Houston Dam at Council Member Fred Flickinger’s Kingwood town hall meeting on 9/30/25. Most of the projects had to do with flooding and drainage, but several had to do with the airport system.
Hundreds packed the Kingwood Community Center as Flickinger kicked off the meeting.
Overall, despite another delay in the project to add more floodgates to Lake Houston’s dam, it was one of the most positive, encouraging meetings in recent memory. Discussion topics included:
Three Lake Houston dam projects (Gates, Repairs, Replacement)
Two Kingwood Diversion Channel bridge replacements at Kingwood Drive and Walnut Lane
Neighborhood matching grants
Formation of the Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District
A new pedestrian bridge over Bens Branch at Kingwood Drive
Roadside ditch improvements along Chestnut Ridge in Forest Cove
Sand Creek Village drainage improvements
Multiple Kingwood Central Wastewater Plant improvements
SJRA’s Master Drainage Plan
Spring Creek Flood Control Dams on Birch and Walnut Creeks
A Pilot Sand Trap Project on the West Fork San Jacinto
A Regional Sedimentation Study
Lake Conroe/Lake Houston Joint Reservoir Operations Study
Regional Flood Planning
Flood Early Warning Systems
Six Houston Airport Improvements
Northpark Drive Expansion Project
Solid Waste Management Improvements
Houston Police Department also updated the community on crime.
In addition to Flickinger. other City Council Members in attendance included:
Twila Carter
Sallie Alcorn
Willie Davis
Julian Ramirez
City of Houston District E Council Member Fred Flickinger
Leaders from other organizations included:
State Rep. Charles Cunningham
SJRA Flood-Mitigation Manager Matt Barrett
Jim Szczesniak, Houston Airport Aviation Director
Larius Hassen, Houston Solid Waste Management Director
Casey Christman, TIRZ 10 Board Member
Craig Bellamy, HPD Captain
Additional Gates for Lake Houston Dam
In this post, to keep the length manageable, I’ll discuss three projects affecting the Lake Houston Dam.
Slide #8 from meeting presentation.
I will then summarize other flood-related projects in several subsequent posts.
Houston hopes to get design approval of the floodgates by May 2026 and start construction later that year. Construction could last 3+ years. That could take the project out to 2030 or even 2031 – if all goes well.
Benefits
the increased discharge capability would let Lake Houston shed water as fast has Lake Conroe has ever sent water downstream. This would facilitate joint reservoir operations and pre-releases to create increased storage capacity in both lakes before major storms strike.
That would, in turn, lower the maximum discharge rate from Lake Conroe and hopefully reduce flooding downstream.
The increased discharge rate would also help conserve water. While that sounds counter-intuitive, the higher rate means the City can wait until it is certain that approaching storms will strike the Lake Houston watershed before starting to release. And that reduces the likelihood of wasting water.
Change in Approach
Coastal Water Authority Board Member Dan Huberty spent much of his time at the microphone discussing floodgates’ delays. Huberty reminded the crowd of the original plan to put crest gates on the concrete spillway portion of the dam. But the City couldn’t find “a contractor in the world” willing to take on the risk because of the aging nature of the concrete in what was a 65-year-old dam at that time.
So, everyone involved (FEMA, the Army Corps, Public Works, Coastal Water Authority, City) decided to pivot. The focus shifted to adding tainter gates to the earthen, eastern portion of the dam.
According to Greg Olinger, CWA’s Chief Engineer, “In August of this year, we completed the preliminary engineering and 15% design. That involved quite a bit of field work, environmental assessments, geotechnical analysis, and structural testing of the embankment. We have developed an 11 tainter gate type of concept. Each is about 20 x 22 feet. And together they’ll pass up to 78,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) compared to the 10,000 CFS we can pass now.”
Greg Olinger, CWA Chief Engineer
Next Steps
Olinger added, “Now, we’re going to move forward with what we call the detailed design, carrying it forward to the 30%, 60%, and 90% final-design stages that can then be packaged and submitted for permitting.”
He then described the extensive permitting process with the Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA and Texas Division of Emergency Management.
“All have to review the plans and provide the requisite permitting – an 18 month process,” Olinger said. “And then, we move forward into construction. The 30% design is due by the end of the year, the 60% by May of next year, and the completed design by the end of 2026.”
Several people from the crowd shouted questions about the impact that delays could have on costs. But Huberty refused to blow sunshine at them.
Coastal Water Authority Board Member Dan Huberty
“We’re telling you what the reality is,” he said. “This is how long it takes to be able to do a project of this size and scope. That’s just the way that it works.”
Dam Repairs and Replacement
The City and Coastal Water Authority have two additional related projects moving forward simultaneously. One addresses repairs to the dam. The other studies its eventual replacement.
Huberty said, “We also have a project for filling of voids and doing concrete repairs on what is now a 71-year-old concrete dam spillway.
“And then the third project is looking in a proactive way to the future as this dam reaches the end of its service life. What are the concepts and options available for either doing a robust rehabilitation of the dam or doing a complete replacement? And this is a project that’s further out.”
Lake Houston Dam and Spillway were built in the early 1950s.
All three projects are related according to one engineer I interviewed. Repairs and more floodgates could help prolong the life of the existing dam while a new one is planned and built.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Kingwood-2025-TOWN-HALL-SLIDES-Small_Page_08-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1440&ssl=114402560adminadmin2025-10-01 15:08:472025-10-02 17:31:0520+ Infrastructure Projects Including Floodgates Discussed at Kingwood Town Hall
Kingwood Town Hall Ends with Wonderful Surprise
10/3/25 – Houston City Council Member Fred Flickinger’s Kingwood Town Hall Meeting on 9/30/25 had a lot of great news. Speakers talked about 20+ infrastructure projects in various stages of development. Together, they should help reduce flood risk for people throughout the Lake Houston Area.
In addition, we learned about airport improvements, crime reductions, a family-violence awareness campaign, fire station enhancements, property tax relief, bail reform, help for the homeless, and attempts to balance the city budget.
My Big Surprise
At the end of the presentations, Flickinger called me up to the front of the auditorium to receive a framed proclamation.
I had no idea this was about to happen and I hesitate to even mention it, lest it appear like bragging. However, I am grateful that my efforts to reduce flooding seem to be noticed by the community. And even more grateful that I have helped keep flood mitigation high on the public agenda.
I’ve seen how flooding can devastate families, their homes and their savings. How it can disrupt entire communities for years. And worst of all, how it can take lives.
When I started this blog in 2018, I had two objectives: to raise awareness of the causes of flooding and to advocate for flood mitigation.
Little did I realize at the time how difficult flood mitigation is. Eight years after Harvey, we’re still trying to document needs, develop solutions, prioritize projects, raise funds, and coordinate multiple agencies at all levels of government.
Along the way, I’ve written almost two million words for 2,906 posts and taken 63,122 photos for 1.8 million readers.
The word count alone is especially staggering. To put it in perspective, that’s the equivalent of about 25 average length novels – three a year!
So yes, the recognition was nice. But even nicer was what it was for. The proclamation reads…
Bob Rehak
WHEREAS, Bob Rehak of Kingwood has distinguished himself as a tireless advocate for flood awareness, mitigation and community resilience, documenting local conditions and solutions with clarity and consistency for the benefit of residents, businesses and policy makers alike; and
WHEREAS, through his widely read blog, Reduce Flooding, which features reporting, photography, data visualization, and plain language explanations of complex water and infrastructure issues, Bob Rehak has equipped Houstonians with the tools to make informed decisions about preparedness, recovery, and long term planning; and
WHEREAS, Bob Rehak has collaborated constructively with neighbors, neighborhood associations, nonprofit groups, engineers, and local, regional and state agencies to advance dredging, drainage, watershed management, and other risk reduction efforts that directly impact the Lake Houston area; and
WHEREAS, his persistent, on-the-ground documentation before, during, and after major rain and flood events has elevated community voices, improved transparency, encouraged problem-solving, and supported evidence-based action to protect property; and
WHEREAS, beyond his technical focus, Bob Rehak exemplifies the spirit of public service by showing up, listening, and communicating respectfully, thereby fostering trust between residents and government and helping unite diverse stakeholders around practical, measurable results; and
WHEREAS, the City of Houston commends Bob Rehak for his outstanding contributions to the safety, resilience and well-being of the Lake Houston area and the greater Houston community, and extends gratitude for exemplary service and steadfast advocacy….
Therefore, I, John Whitmire, Mayor of the City of Houston, hereby proclaim September 30th, 2025 as Bob Rehak day in Houston, Texas.
Signed and Sealed
Many Thanks
I was especially pleased with recognition of efforts to document impacts, elevate community voices, improve transparency and support evidence-based action that unites diverse stakeholders around practical, measurable results.
Too often these days, public discourse divides people. We’ve seen far too many sad and sorrowful examples lately of what those divisions can produce. In reality, we have far more that unites us than divides us. We just need to focus on those things. Which is what I intend to continue doing as long as my age and health allow.
Grateful thanks to my readers, Mayor Whitmire; Council Member Flickinger; all the talented public officials, engineers and environmental experts who have helped educate me about flooding; and especially my wife of 50 years – and proofreader for even longer – Dr. Susan Davy.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/3/25
2957 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Kingwood Town Hall, Part II: Updates on 13 More Flood Mitigation Projects
10/2/25 – Houston City Council Member Fred Flickinger’s Town Hall Meeting on 9/30/25 contained updates on more than 20 infrastructure projects. Yesterday, I discussed three projects related to the Lake Houston Dam: the Gates, Repair, and Replacement Projects.
Today, let me focus on 13 more. They include the Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District; the Kingwood Diversion Ditch; Houston Public Works drainage and bridge projects; and San Jacinto River Authority efforts.
Diversion Ditch and Lake Houston Dredging/Maintenance District
State Representative Charles Cunningham focused on a variety of topics including tax cuts, crime, bail reform, and the Harris County toll-road surplus. He also talked about $100 million that he helped secure in state and federal funding for the new flood gates on Lake Houston and $5 million for the Kingwood Diversion Ditch Project which is now in final design.
Then he focused on HB 1532, his bill to create a Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District. The bill will create a perpetual dredging program financed primarily by sale of the spoils. That will help control sediment buildups that reduce the conveyance of the river, thus contributing to flooding. It will also help restore the storage capacity of the lake itself, improving water supply for a growing population.
Cunningham told me before the meeting that his next priority is to get the Dredging District organized and operational now that the legislative session is over.
He put the dredging district in perspective by saying, “That starts to put us in control of our own destiny regarding flooding. You know, our motto here in Kingwood is The Livable Forest. And we want to make sure that we continue to make it livable. And that dredging bill is going to do that for us.”
Houston Public Works Drainage and Bridge Projects
Later, Ryan Prillman from Houston Public Works discussed a number of drainage and bridge projects that will improve the flow of water (and traffic) in Kingwood.
He began with the Kingwood Drive and Walnut Lane Bridges over the Kingwood Diversion Channel. Estimated cost is $6 million, although the construction start date has not yet been set. The bridges are currently in design.
Public Works also plans to replace or rehab the two pedestrian bridges over Bens Branch at Kingwood Drive starting in Spring 2026.
They expect to finish restoring drainage ditches in the Chestnut Ridge area within several months.
Ditto for Drainage Improvements in Sand Creek.
Public Works has also started $18 million worth of repairs to Kingwood’s Central Wastewater Treatment Plant, which was badly flooded during Hurricane Harvey. The repairs could take two years to complete.
San Jacinto River Authority Efforts
Matt Barrett, Flood Management Manager for the SJRA then reviewed six efforts that have the potential to mitigate flooding.
Their Master Drainage Plan includes 16 projects in 3000 square miles across seven counties upstream of Lake Houston.
Barrett began his presentation with a reminder that in that entire area, only the San Jacinto West Fork currently has a water control dam on it: Lake Conroe.
Master Drainage Plan
Barrett then reminded people that the SJRA is not a taxing authority. It has no dedicated funding to fix flooding. It can only facilitate projects by partnering with other entities such as Humble, Houston, and Harris County Flood Control.
One of the first large scale flood-mitigation projects that SJRA worked on was the San Jacinto Mster Drainage Plan in partnership with HCFCD, City of Houston, and Montgomery County. The effort identified 16 large scale projects still in contention for funding. See below.
Birch and Walnut Creek Dams
They included two areas (Birch and Walnut Creeks in green circle above) that are far upstream on Spring Creek. They would be dry bottom detention basins.
SJRA is currently looking for partners to help fund design and construction of the basins.
Sand Traps
Next, Barrett talked about the SJRA’s pilot sand trap study on the West Fork. Goal: to reduce the volume of sediment flowing into the Lake Houston Area.
SJRA’s goal is to work with a sand miner to clean out the trap(s) once they fill up. The study identified several possible sites near the Hallett mine. At the moment, SJRA’s efforts are focused on working with Hallett, using one of their pits no longer in production.
The West Fork has captured the pit in question and is now flowing through it. According to Barrett, SJRA is working to determine if and how the pit and other nearby sites could be used to mitigate sedimentation downstream.
Regional Sedimentation Study
The sediment trap effort is related to a bigger Regional Sedimentation Study. The goals? To determine:
Said Barrett, “Ultimately, we want to develop a regional sediment management plan that will recommend projects, strategies, best management practices that can help mitigate the flow of sediment downstream and ultimately mitigate flood issues that are caused by sedimentation.”
Lake Conroe/Lake Houston Joint Operations Study
Barrett said, “The goal of this project is to determine the most efficient and safe operation of the two reservoirs in series, both for water supply and flood management purposes. This is especially critical with the upcoming installation of the new gates at the Lake Houston Dam.”
SJRA will support the project, which will include development of an inflow forecasting tool, a gate operations policy, pre-release evaluations, and stakeholder communications.
Upstream Gages
Finally, Barrett discussed a network of gages throughout the region that provide flood warnings. It works with Harris County Flood Control to plan optimum locations. Barrett said, “We’re always looking to add more gauges to that network to have a more comprehensive coverage of the basin.”
For More Information
Check back tomorrow for Part III, the last in a series of posts about the Town Hall.
You can download the entire 13-megabyte Town Hall presentation here.
Or watch the meeting here: https://houstontx.new.swagit.com/videos/356980.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/2/25
2956 Days since Hurricane Harvey
20+ Infrastructure Projects Including Floodgates Discussed at Kingwood Town Hall
Updated on 10/2/25 with a new slide provided by the City on the timetable for the floodgate project.
10/1/25 – City of Houston representatives and their partners discussed the status of more than twenty infrastructure projects including more floodgates for the Lake Houston Dam at Council Member Fred Flickinger’s Kingwood town hall meeting on 9/30/25. Most of the projects had to do with flooding and drainage, but several had to do with the airport system.
Overall, despite another delay in the project to add more floodgates to Lake Houston’s dam, it was one of the most positive, encouraging meetings in recent memory. Discussion topics included:
In addition to Flickinger. other City Council Members in attendance included:
Leaders from other organizations included:
Additional Gates for Lake Houston Dam
In this post, to keep the length manageable, I’ll discuss three projects affecting the Lake Houston Dam.
I will then summarize other flood-related projects in several subsequent posts.
The City is designing an eleven tainter-gate solution that would increase discharge capacity from approximately 10,000 to 78,000 cubic feet per second.
Houston hopes to get design approval of the floodgates by May 2026 and start construction later that year. Construction could last 3+ years. That could take the project out to 2030 or even 2031 – if all goes well.
Benefits
the increased discharge capability would let Lake Houston shed water as fast has Lake Conroe has ever sent water downstream. This would facilitate joint reservoir operations and pre-releases to create increased storage capacity in both lakes before major storms strike.
That would, in turn, lower the maximum discharge rate from Lake Conroe and hopefully reduce flooding downstream.
The increased discharge rate would also help conserve water. While that sounds counter-intuitive, the higher rate means the City can wait until it is certain that approaching storms will strike the Lake Houston watershed before starting to release. And that reduces the likelihood of wasting water.
Change in Approach
Coastal Water Authority Board Member Dan Huberty spent much of his time at the microphone discussing floodgates’ delays. Huberty reminded the crowd of the original plan to put crest gates on the concrete spillway portion of the dam. But the City couldn’t find “a contractor in the world” willing to take on the risk because of the aging nature of the concrete in what was a 65-year-old dam at that time.
So, everyone involved (FEMA, the Army Corps, Public Works, Coastal Water Authority, City) decided to pivot. The focus shifted to adding tainter gates to the earthen, eastern portion of the dam.
According to Greg Olinger, CWA’s Chief Engineer, “In August of this year, we completed the preliminary engineering and 15% design. That involved quite a bit of field work, environmental assessments, geotechnical analysis, and structural testing of the embankment. We have developed an 11 tainter gate type of concept. Each is about 20 x 22 feet. And together they’ll pass up to 78,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) compared to the 10,000 CFS we can pass now.”
Next Steps
Olinger added, “Now, we’re going to move forward with what we call the detailed design, carrying it forward to the 30%, 60%, and 90% final-design stages that can then be packaged and submitted for permitting.”
He then described the extensive permitting process with the Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA and Texas Division of Emergency Management.
“All have to review the plans and provide the requisite permitting – an 18 month process,” Olinger said. “And then, we move forward into construction. The 30% design is due by the end of the year, the 60% by May of next year, and the completed design by the end of 2026.”
Several people from the crowd shouted questions about the impact that delays could have on costs. But Huberty refused to blow sunshine at them.
“We’re telling you what the reality is,” he said. “This is how long it takes to be able to do a project of this size and scope. That’s just the way that it works.”
Dam Repairs and Replacement
The City and Coastal Water Authority have two additional related projects moving forward simultaneously. One addresses repairs to the dam. The other studies its eventual replacement.
Huberty said, “We also have a project for filling of voids and doing concrete repairs on what is now a 71-year-old concrete dam spillway.
“And then the third project is looking in a proactive way to the future as this dam reaches the end of its service life. What are the concepts and options available for either doing a robust rehabilitation of the dam or doing a complete replacement? And this is a project that’s further out.”
All three projects are related according to one engineer I interviewed. Repairs and more floodgates could help prolong the life of the existing dam while a new one is planned and built.
For More Information
More news to follow on other projects.
In the meantime, you can download the entire 13-megabyte Town Hall presentation here.
Or watch the meeting here: https://houstontx.new.swagit.com/videos/356980.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/1/25
2955 Days since Hurricane Harvey