10/5/25 – A Houston Chronicle article last month by investigative reporter Yilun Cheng found that 65,000 homes were built in Houston area floodplains since Hurricane Harvey. This six-minute ABC13 interview with Cheng captures the highlights of her research.
Cheng found that builders have constructed more than 65,000 new properties in flood zones since Harvey. They spread across Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Galveston and Brazoria counties.
She kept hearing from people who bought homes in brand new neighborhoods. They later realized that their property was prone to flooding. So, that made her wonder, “Is this part of a bigger pattern here?”
“Texas has no statewide flood-building code,” she said. “As a result, a patchwork of local regulations has really left large parts of the region exposed.”
Families that have moved here since Harvey may not be prioritizing flood risk when looking for new homes, she said. They get seduced by spacious floor plans and suburban lifestyles only to find out months later that their house can flood every time a big storm hits.
Some of the biggest names in the Houston-area homebuilding industry kept popping up again and again in her research. They seem to rely increasingly on flood-prone land.
“We seem to be repeating the same development patterns that made Harvey so devastating in the first place.”
She added, “Unless we change course, the devastation and the displacement are only going to get worse.”
For a transcript of her entire interview with ABC13, click here.
Putting 65,000 in Perspective
Sixty-five thousand represents almost as many homes as flooded in floodplains during Harvey in Harris County. However, keep in mind that the 65,000 homes Cheng found were spread across multiple counties. Still, that’s a large number.
Harris County Flood Control District estimates that, based on house flooding assessments, the total number of homes that flooded within Harris County was 154,170.
But 68% of those were outside the FEMA 1% or 100-year floodplain. That alone should raise eyebrows about homes being built inside the region’s floodplains. Of the 154,170 Harris County homes flooded, 48,850 were within the 1% (100-yr) floodplain and 34,970 within the .2% (500-yr) floodplain. Total: 83,820.
So since Harvey, we’ve built almost as many homes in the region’s floodplains as flooded in Harris County floodplains.
And keep in mind, that FEMA has not yet issued new flood maps since Harvey. And when they do, floodplains should expand by 50% to 100%.
The lesson? Even Harvey didn’t teach us any lessons.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/5/2025 based on an investigation by Yilun Cheng
2959 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Yilun-Cheng-Interview-about-Homes-Built-in-Floodplains.jpg?fit=1100%2C619&ssl=16191100adminadmin2025-10-05 20:29:262025-10-05 20:32:52Investigation Finds 65,000 Homes Built in Region’s Floodplains Since Harvey
The bi-partisan FEMA Reform Bill, H.R. 4669, passed out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on 9/3/25, but the full House has not yet considered the bill.
The sprawling 200+ page bill has several primary goals: cut red tape, speed up disaster assistance, and put more authority in state and local hands. But how would it do that?
The bill has two main divisions:
Division A re-constitutes FEMA as an autonomous federal entity, gives it direct line to the President, strengthens internal oversight, and ensures statutory clarity across related laws so that FEMA is directly accountable rather than filtered through DHS.
Division B is where many of the operational and programmatic changes occur, especially for Public Assistance (PA).
I asked ChatGPT to summarize the changes between current and proposed law, section by section. at the end of this post, I’ve also included a section of cross-cutting provisions and strategic shifts.
DIVISION A — Establishment of FEMA as Cabinet-Level, Independent Agency
Sec. 11: Establishment of independent agency
FEMA is currently a component agency under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill would remove FEMA from DHS and reconstitute it as an independent agency at the Cabinet level, reporting directly to the President.
Sec. 12: Administrator, Deputy Administrator, other officials
At the moment, the FEMA Administrator and leadership are under DHS’s organizational structure; appointment and removal authority is tied to DHS rules. If the bill passes, this section would codify the leadership roles, establish qualification requirements (especially for the Deputy Administrator), and assign them to the executive schedule (i.e. Cabinet rank) positions.
Sec. 13: Authority and responsibilities
FEMA’s authorities now derive from existing statutes (e.g. Stafford Act, etc.), but coordination is mediated via DHS. The bill would explicitly consolidate FEMA’s authorities, clarify mission statements, and ensure FEMA holds responsibility for preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation tasks directly.
Sec. 14: Office of the Inspector General
FEMA currently shares or depends on DHS-level IG functions for oversight. HR 4669 would establish a standalone Inspector General for FEMA, restoring oversight independence.
Sec. 15–16: Transfer of functions; Personnel and other transfers
Many FEMA functions, personnel, assets, and contracts are now embedded within DHS. These sections would govern the transfer of relevant functions, personnel, contracts, records, and unexpended balances from DHS to the newly independent FEMA.
Sec. 19: Working Capital Fund
DHS has working capital or revolving funds that support cross-cutting functions; At the present, FEMA doesn’t directly control a dedicated revolving fund. This section would create a FEMA Working Capital Fund: a revolving fund for operations, facilities, equipment, and services, with fee mechanisms (charging other agencies, etc.) to cover costs.
Sec. 20: Improving disaster assistance for veterans
No explicit role or codified office within current FEMA statutes solely focuses on veterans in disaster recovery. The new bill adds a Veterans Advocate role within FEMA (under Stafford Act) to ensure veterans’ needs are addressed in declarations, assistance, and coordination.
Title II (Sec. 21): National emergency management & related amendments
Many statutes across emergency management, public health, etc., now refer to “Secretary of Homeland Security” or coordination via DHS. The bill amends multiple statutes (Stafford Act, Public Health Service Act, Homeland Security Act) to substitute or reassign relevant authorities, functions, or references to FEMA’s Administrator.
DIVISION B — FEMA / Disaster Program Reforms
Sec. 101: Rebuilding public infrastructure
Currently, FEMA provides Public Assistance in a reimbursement model: states/localities or subrecipients perform eligible repairs, then submit claims for reimbursement, subject to environmental reviews, procurement, etc. The bill would introduce a more grant-based, project-driven funding model (sometimes via Section 409 expedited grants) to accelerate rebuilding, reduce dependence on consultants, and shift more decision-making to states/local governments.
Sec. 102: Task force to address backlog of open declared disasters
Many disaster declarations linger for years (especially older ones), with projects not closed out. This section would create a Recovery Task Force to close out long-open disasters (e.g. those lingering since Katrina, etc.) and improve accountability.
Sec. 103: Disaster declaration damage thresholds
The Stafford Act sets thresholds (e.g. per-capita, total damage levels) that localities must meet to request a major disaster declaration. This bill revises thresholds, potentially lowering barriers in some cases, giving more flexibility to declare support in disasters.
Sec. 104: Federal permitting improvement
Currently, FEMA projects must comply with environmental, historic preservation, and other federal requirements. Permitting often delays reconstruction. This section implements reforms to accelerate permitting, streamline or delegate certain reviews, reduce duplication, and shorten timelines.
Sec. 105: Unified Federal review
Multiple federal agencies may now review disaster recovery projects (e.g. environmental agencies, EPA, historic preservation) independently. The bill creates a unified federal review process to consolidate and coordinate interagency reviews.
Sec. 106: Block grants for small disasters
Current law limits certain programs or assistance to “major disasters” with higher thresholds; smaller disasters may not qualify for full PA aid. This section allows block grant funding for smaller scale disasters so that eligible subrecipients can access funds more readily even if they don’t reach higher thresholds.
Sec. 107: Common sense debris removal
Debris removal is now eligible under PA, but rules around scope, timelines, and cost share can be restrictive. The bill clarifies and modernizes rules around what constitutes eligible debris removal, cost-share, and what is considered “emergency work.”
Sec. 108: Disaster management costs modernization
Currently, administrative and management costs are often constrained to a single disaster or limited scope; costs must be directly tied and justified. The bill allows management/administrative costs to be allocated across multiple disasters and provides more flexibility in how these costs are treated.
Sec. 109: Streamlining info collection & preliminary damage assessments
States and local jurisdictions must now submit extensive documentation; preliminary damage assessments (PDAs) may be time-consuming. The bill consolidates data and reporting, reduces duplication, shortens time for PDAs, and mandates more streamlined information collection.
Sec. 110: Reasonable incident periods
The period during which damages are now eligible (incident period) is defined but may be ambiguous in evolving disasters (e.g. prolonged events). The bill clarifies or extends flexibility for incident periods depending on the nature and duration of events.
Sec. 111: Fire management assistance policy
Under current law (Fire Management Assistance Grant program), specific rules govern eligibility, cost share, and declarations for wildfires. The bill updates or revises eligibility, thresholds, and cost-share rules for fire management assistance.
Sec. 112: Indian tribal government eligibility
Tribes may be eligible under PA, but sometimes face bureaucratic or jurisdictional obstacles. The bill strengthens tribal eligibility, reduces barriers, ensures they have equal access to assistance programs.
Sec. 113: Strengthening closeouts for critical services
Some projects providing critical services (e.g. utilities, water, sewer) now take long to close out, sometimes delaying final payments. This section provides priority treatment or procedural clarity to close out critical services projects faster.
Sec. 114: Sheltering of emergency response personnel
FEMA may now provide sheltering assistance in limited contexts; rules vary. This section explicitly allows sheltering of emergency response personnel in disasters (as part of eligible assistance).
Sec. 115: Emergency protective measures for flooding damage
FEMA’s “emergency protective measures” cover multiple types of hazard responses; flooding-specific nuances exist. The bill would clarify or expand eligible emergency protective measures (e.g. repairs, mitigation) for flooding events.
Sec. 116: Fairness and accountability in appeals
FEMA now provides appeal rights, but processes sometimes are criticized for opaque denials, inconsistent notices, and lack of transparency. This section strengthens appeal rights and fairness: requires clearer, understandable notices; mandates timelines; ensures due process in appeals; and prohibits political discrimination in aid decisions.
Crosscutting Provisions
In addition, the bill provides provisions that:
Encourage transparency with public dashboards, central tracking, and assistance across agencies.
Provide mitigation incentives with cost-share bonuses, pre-approved mitigation projects, and better inter-agency funding coordination.
Base procurement on local practices when compliant with federal statutes.
Simplify survivor and individual assistance by streamlining applications, reducing duplication, and ensuring private charitable aid doesn’t unfairly disqualify survivors.
Strategic Shifts
HR 4669, if adopted, would create several seismic shifts in disaster funding:
From reimbursement to proactive grants: Under current practice, states and localities often front costs and then wait for federal reimbursement, sometimes with delays and cash-flow stress. The bill shifts toward more upfront, project-based grants to reduce delays. Baker Donelson+1
Stronger incentives for preparedness and mitigation: The bill links cost-share levels to state/local mitigative steps, encouraging risk reduction before disaster strikes. Baker Donelson+1
Streamlining federal red tape: Many provisions aim to reduce delays from environmental reviews, permitting, interagency duplication, and reporting burdens. Transpo & Infra Committee+2Baker Donelson+2
Greater clarity, fairness, and oversight: The bill emphasizes transparency (dashboards, public reporting), appeal protections, IG/GAO reviews, and improvements to notices and due process for assistance decisions. Transpo & Infra Committee+2Congress.gov+2
Empowering sub-national actors: The reforms shift more decision-making authority to states, tribes, and local entities—assuming they meet certain qualifications—thereby reducing dependency on centralized federal control.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/4/2025 with assistance from ChatGPT
2958 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/federal-emergency-management-agency-fema-logo-png_seeklogo-397813.png?fit=1100%2C601&ssl=16011100adminadmin2025-10-04 19:35:542025-10-04 21:31:39Provisions of FEMA Reform Bill That Cleared House Committee
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
Investigation Finds 65,000 Homes Built in Region’s Floodplains Since Harvey
10/5/25 – A Houston Chronicle article last month by investigative reporter Yilun Cheng found that 65,000 homes were built in Houston area floodplains since Hurricane Harvey. This six-minute ABC13 interview with Cheng captures the highlights of her research.
Cheng’s Key Findings
Cheng found that builders have constructed more than 65,000 new properties in flood zones since Harvey. They spread across Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Galveston and Brazoria counties.
She kept hearing from people who bought homes in brand new neighborhoods. They later realized that their property was prone to flooding. So, that made her wonder, “Is this part of a bigger pattern here?”
“Texas has no statewide flood-building code,” she said. “As a result, a patchwork of local regulations has really left large parts of the region exposed.”
Families that have moved here since Harvey may not be prioritizing flood risk when looking for new homes, she said. They get seduced by spacious floor plans and suburban lifestyles only to find out months later that their house can flood every time a big storm hits.
Some of the biggest names in the Houston-area homebuilding industry kept popping up again and again in her research. They seem to rely increasingly on flood-prone land.
She added, “Unless we change course, the devastation and the displacement are only going to get worse.”
For a transcript of her entire interview with ABC13, click here.
Putting 65,000 in Perspective
Sixty-five thousand represents almost as many homes as flooded in floodplains during Harvey in Harris County. However, keep in mind that the 65,000 homes Cheng found were spread across multiple counties. Still, that’s a large number.
Harris County Flood Control District estimates that, based on house flooding assessments, the total number of homes that flooded within Harris County was 154,170.
But 68% of those were outside the FEMA 1% or 100-year floodplain. That alone should raise eyebrows about homes being built inside the region’s floodplains. Of the 154,170 Harris County homes flooded, 48,850 were within the 1% (100-yr) floodplain and 34,970 within the .2% (500-yr) floodplain. Total: 83,820.
So since Harvey, we’ve built almost as many homes in the region’s floodplains as flooded in Harris County floodplains.
And keep in mind, that FEMA has not yet issued new flood maps since Harvey. And when they do, floodplains should expand by 50% to 100%.
The lesson? Even Harvey didn’t teach us any lessons.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/5/2025 based on an investigation by Yilun Cheng
2959 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Provisions of FEMA Reform Bill That Cleared House Committee
10/4/2025 – One in 3 counties across America receive federal disaster declarations each year. A big question on the minds of many in Congress and the Administration is how to deliver aid more efficiently and effectively.
The bi-partisan FEMA Reform Bill, H.R. 4669, passed out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on 9/3/25, but the full House has not yet considered the bill.
The sprawling 200+ page bill has several primary goals: cut red tape, speed up disaster assistance, and put more authority in state and local hands. But how would it do that?
The bill has two main divisions:
I asked ChatGPT to summarize the changes between current and proposed law, section by section. at the end of this post, I’ve also included a section of cross-cutting provisions and strategic shifts.
DIVISION A — Establishment of FEMA as Cabinet-Level, Independent Agency
Sec. 11: Establishment of independent agency
FEMA is currently a component agency under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill would remove FEMA from DHS and reconstitute it as an independent agency at the Cabinet level, reporting directly to the President.
Sec. 12: Administrator, Deputy Administrator, other officials
At the moment, the FEMA Administrator and leadership are under DHS’s organizational structure; appointment and removal authority is tied to DHS rules. If the bill passes, this section would codify the leadership roles, establish qualification requirements (especially for the Deputy Administrator), and assign them to the executive schedule (i.e. Cabinet rank) positions.
Sec. 13: Authority and responsibilities
FEMA’s authorities now derive from existing statutes (e.g. Stafford Act, etc.), but coordination is mediated via DHS. The bill would explicitly consolidate FEMA’s authorities, clarify mission statements, and ensure FEMA holds responsibility for preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation tasks directly.
Sec. 14: Office of the Inspector General
FEMA currently shares or depends on DHS-level IG functions for oversight. HR 4669 would establish a standalone Inspector General for FEMA, restoring oversight independence.
Sec. 15–16: Transfer of functions; Personnel and other transfers
Many FEMA functions, personnel, assets, and contracts are now embedded within DHS. These sections would govern the transfer of relevant functions, personnel, contracts, records, and unexpended balances from DHS to the newly independent FEMA.
Sec. 19: Working Capital Fund
DHS has working capital or revolving funds that support cross-cutting functions; At the present, FEMA doesn’t directly control a dedicated revolving fund. This section would create a FEMA Working Capital Fund: a revolving fund for operations, facilities, equipment, and services, with fee mechanisms (charging other agencies, etc.) to cover costs.
Sec. 20: Improving disaster assistance for veterans
No explicit role or codified office within current FEMA statutes solely focuses on veterans in disaster recovery. The new bill adds a Veterans Advocate role within FEMA (under Stafford Act) to ensure veterans’ needs are addressed in declarations, assistance, and coordination.
Title II (Sec. 21): National emergency management & related amendments
Many statutes across emergency management, public health, etc., now refer to “Secretary of Homeland Security” or coordination via DHS. The bill amends multiple statutes (Stafford Act, Public Health Service Act, Homeland Security Act) to substitute or reassign relevant authorities, functions, or references to FEMA’s Administrator.
DIVISION B — FEMA / Disaster Program Reforms
Sec. 101: Rebuilding public infrastructure
Currently, FEMA provides Public Assistance in a reimbursement model: states/localities or subrecipients perform eligible repairs, then submit claims for reimbursement, subject to environmental reviews, procurement, etc. The bill would introduce a more grant-based, project-driven funding model (sometimes via Section 409 expedited grants) to accelerate rebuilding, reduce dependence on consultants, and shift more decision-making to states/local governments.
Sec. 102: Task force to address backlog of open declared disasters
Many disaster declarations linger for years (especially older ones), with projects not closed out. This section would create a Recovery Task Force to close out long-open disasters (e.g. those lingering since Katrina, etc.) and improve accountability.
Sec. 103: Disaster declaration damage thresholds
The Stafford Act sets thresholds (e.g. per-capita, total damage levels) that localities must meet to request a major disaster declaration. This bill revises thresholds, potentially lowering barriers in some cases, giving more flexibility to declare support in disasters.
Sec. 104: Federal permitting improvement
Currently, FEMA projects must comply with environmental, historic preservation, and other federal requirements. Permitting often delays reconstruction. This section implements reforms to accelerate permitting, streamline or delegate certain reviews, reduce duplication, and shorten timelines.
Sec. 105: Unified Federal review
Multiple federal agencies may now review disaster recovery projects (e.g. environmental agencies, EPA, historic preservation) independently. The bill creates a unified federal review process to consolidate and coordinate interagency reviews.
Sec. 106: Block grants for small disasters
Current law limits certain programs or assistance to “major disasters” with higher thresholds; smaller disasters may not qualify for full PA aid. This section allows block grant funding for smaller scale disasters so that eligible subrecipients can access funds more readily even if they don’t reach higher thresholds.
Sec. 107: Common sense debris removal
Debris removal is now eligible under PA, but rules around scope, timelines, and cost share can be restrictive. The bill clarifies and modernizes rules around what constitutes eligible debris removal, cost-share, and what is considered “emergency work.”
Sec. 108: Disaster management costs modernization
Currently, administrative and management costs are often constrained to a single disaster or limited scope; costs must be directly tied and justified. The bill allows management/administrative costs to be allocated across multiple disasters and provides more flexibility in how these costs are treated.
Sec. 109: Streamlining info collection & preliminary damage assessments
States and local jurisdictions must now submit extensive documentation; preliminary damage assessments (PDAs) may be time-consuming. The bill consolidates data and reporting, reduces duplication, shortens time for PDAs, and mandates more streamlined information collection.
Sec. 110: Reasonable incident periods
The period during which damages are now eligible (incident period) is defined but may be ambiguous in evolving disasters (e.g. prolonged events). The bill clarifies or extends flexibility for incident periods depending on the nature and duration of events.
Sec. 111: Fire management assistance policy
Under current law (Fire Management Assistance Grant program), specific rules govern eligibility, cost share, and declarations for wildfires. The bill updates or revises eligibility, thresholds, and cost-share rules for fire management assistance.
Sec. 112: Indian tribal government eligibility
Tribes may be eligible under PA, but sometimes face bureaucratic or jurisdictional obstacles. The bill strengthens tribal eligibility, reduces barriers, ensures they have equal access to assistance programs.
Sec. 113: Strengthening closeouts for critical services
Some projects providing critical services (e.g. utilities, water, sewer) now take long to close out, sometimes delaying final payments. This section provides priority treatment or procedural clarity to close out critical services projects faster.
Sec. 114: Sheltering of emergency response personnel
FEMA may now provide sheltering assistance in limited contexts; rules vary. This section explicitly allows sheltering of emergency response personnel in disasters (as part of eligible assistance).
Sec. 115: Emergency protective measures for flooding damage
FEMA’s “emergency protective measures” cover multiple types of hazard responses; flooding-specific nuances exist. The bill would clarify or expand eligible emergency protective measures (e.g. repairs, mitigation) for flooding events.
Sec. 116: Fairness and accountability in appeals
FEMA now provides appeal rights, but processes sometimes are criticized for opaque denials, inconsistent notices, and lack of transparency. This section strengthens appeal rights and fairness: requires clearer, understandable notices; mandates timelines; ensures due process in appeals; and prohibits political discrimination in aid decisions.
Crosscutting Provisions
In addition, the bill provides provisions that:
Strategic Shifts
HR 4669, if adopted, would create several seismic shifts in disaster funding:
For More Information
Consult the exact text of the bill.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/4/2025 with assistance from ChatGPT
2958 Days since Hurricane Harvey
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