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:

  • 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.

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.

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.

Bob Rehak receiving proclamation
Council Member Fred Flickinger (r) presenting Mayor’s Proclamation to Bob Rehak (l).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Slide #9

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 Spillway
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.

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

HCFCD Completes Phase 2 of Giant Lauder Basin on Greens Bayou

9/29/25 – Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) recently completed Phase 2 of the Lauder Stormwater Detention Basin on Greens Bayou. The basin is located south of Intercontinental Airport between the bayou, Aldine Bender Road, Aldine Westfield Road and Lauder Road. It brings the total stormwater detention in the area to 1200 acre feet and Phase 3 is still to come.

Funding from Multiple Partners

Built with 2018 Flood-Bond funds (see Bond ID C-34), help from the Texas Water Development Board, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, and the Texas General Land Office, the detention basin complex will grow even larger when Phase 3 is completed.

Flood Control District Map not yet updated. Phase 2 is now complete.

Speaking at the dedication ceremony for Phase 2 on 9/17/25, HCFCD Executive Director Tina Petersen said, “The scale of this project is enormous. We have three different phases. Phase one was started in 2020, and it took two years to complete. This project started in 2022, and we completed it just this year in 2025.”

Flood Protection Plus Recreational Amenity

Petersen added, “One of the great things, too, is that we are able to partner with our precinct (Harris County Precinct 2), and they have been able to put trails along the first phase, and they are in the process of planning trails for this next phase. And so, not only will it provide flood mitigation, but it’s going to provide an amenity for this community.”

How much is 1200 acre feet? Imagine a football field stacked with water to the height of 1200 feet. That’s 200 feet taller than the tallest building in Houston and Texas – the JP Morgan Chase Tower which tops out at 1002 feet.

Resident in Alleged “500-Year Floodplain” Flooded 3 Times

At the dedication, Connie Esparza, President of the Castlewood Civic Club said, “What a great day to witness and be a part of this historic event. I moved to the Aldine area in 1979 when I built my house, never expecting to flood since the south side of Castlewood was in the 500-year floodplain.”

She continued, “But unfortunately, I, along with my entire subdivision, some of whom are present here, flooded in 2001 with Tropical Storm Allison, then again with Harvey in 2017, followed by Imelda two years later. We are certainly excited with the completion of this Phase 2 stormwater detention basin that will further reduce the risk of flooding.”

Esparza is also a member of the Harris County Community Flood Resilience Task Force.

To See TWDB Video

To see the dedication ceremony and basin, see this Texas Water Development Board Video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWDTX7bknHY

Posted by Bob Rehak on 09/29/2025

2953 Days since Hurricane Harvey



Outlines of Full Northpark Expansion Now Visible

9/28/25 – The final outlines of the Northpark expansion project are now fully visible – much like a skyscraper after being framed out (except Northpark is horizontal). Even though all the concrete is not yet poured, yesterday, I saw for the first time what ten lanes will look like.

For most of its length, Northpark will have six lanes (3 inbound and 3 outbound). But the area around the railroad tracks and Loop 494 will expand to 10 lanes. In addition to the six lanes that go over a bridge, contractors are building two surface lanes on both sides of the bridge for traffic turning left and right.

In other news, boring under the UnionPacific Railroad tracks has resumed. On a Saturday afternoon, crews were placing two 60″ steel pipes under the tracks to convey stormwater from west to east. See pictures below.

Photos Taken on Saturday, 9/27/25

I took all the photos below on a Saturday afternoon, shortly after lunchtime.

Looking east toward tracks and Loop 494 from Whataburger
Opposite direction from same location. Looking toward US59.
Looking east over Loop 494. Boring operation (lower left) has held up completion of surface lanes on north side (left) of shot.

The Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority’s 3-week lookahead construction schedule indicates that boring will continue 24/7 at least through 10/11.

Looking W toward US59 over boring operation.

In the picture above note that only three large sections of stockpiled pipe remain. Originally, there were ten.

A look inside bore pit where pipe is being forced from east to west under tracks.
However, neither pipe has yet reached the receiving pit on the east side of the tracks.
Looking west from over Russell Palmer Road. Contractors are preparing the sub grade for more concrete.
Still looking west from near Italiano’s.

Impact of Construction on Small Businesses

Note in the shot above how westbound traffic cannot turn left into the strip center that contains several restaurants. The parking lot is practically empty on a day and at a time when it should be teeming.

The University of Minnesota’s Center for Transportation Studies found that “Small businesses often suffer significant revenue declines (10-20 % or more) during and after disruptive construction.”

So, please continue to support Northpark businesses during this trying time.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 9/28/2025

2952 Days since Hurricane Harvey

FAQs About Water Propositions on November Ballot

9/27/25 – The information below comes from a Texas Water Development Board newsletter pertaining to water supply funding propositions on the November Ballot. Buried within them are some rules that could also benefit flood mitigation. I am reprinting the newsletter verbatim.

Proposition 4 and Texas Water Fund

Frequently Asked Questions

Proposition 4 will be on the ballot in November

Texans will be voting in November on a number of propositions, including Proposition 4, which if approved would allocate a portion of state sales and use tax to the Texas Water Fund. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) assembled the following FAQs as an informational resource for Texans.

Download a printable version of the FAQs and get more information on the TWDB website.

___________________________

1. What would House Joint Resolution 7 and Proposition 4 do?

Contingent upon voter approval, House Joint Resolution (HJR 7) would require the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts each state fiscal year to deposit to the credit of the Texas Water Fund the first $1 billion of the net revenue derived from the imposition of the state sales and use tax that exceeds the first $46.5 billion of that revenue coming into the treasury in that state fiscal year. This provision would go into effect September 1, 2027, and would expire August 31, 2047.

The HJR 7 Proposition 4 ballot language is:

“The constitutional amendment to dedicate a portion of the revenue derived from state sales and use taxes to the Texas water fund and to provide for the allocation and use of that revenue.”

The availability of sales and use tax deposits into the Texas Water Fund for Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) financial assistance programs is contingent upon:

  • voter approval of Proposition 4 in the November 2025 election,
  • subsequent legislative appropriations, and
  • availability of state sales and use tax revenue that exceeds the first $46.5 billion coming into the treasury in that state fiscal year.
2. What is the Texas Water Fund and how was it created?

The Texas Water Fund is a special fund in the state treasury outside the general revenue fund that is administered by the TWDB. Senate Bill 28 and Senate Joint Resolution 75, passed in 2023 by the 88th Texas Legislature, provided for creation of the fund. In the November 2023 election, Texas voters passed Proposition 6 (associated with Senate Joint Resolution 75), creating the Texas Water Fund to assist in financing water projects in Texas.

3. What does the Texas Water Fund do for Texas?

The Texas Water Fund supports the TWDB mission of leading the state’s efforts in ensuring a secure water future for Texas. The Texas population is projected to increase

53 percent between 2030 and 2080, from 34.2 million to 52.3 million, according to the projections included in the adopted 2026 regional water plans.

The Texas Water Fund helps communities implement cost‐effective water, wastewater, and flood projects through new and existing TWDB programs. The costs associated with these types of projects can often make them difficult for some communities to implement. By providing low‐cost, flexible financing options, the funding provides economic opportunity for communities to overcome cost hurdles.

More information on funding needs for water and wastewater infrastructure across the state, as well as water supply strategies recommended in the state water plan and flood mitigation solutions recommended in the state flood plan, can be found in this infographic.

4. What can the Texas Water Fund be used for?

The TWDB may only use the Texas Water Fund to transfer money to the following funds or accounts administered by the TWDB (those in bold were added by Senate Bill 7 in 2025):

5. What statutory changes were made to the Texas Water Fund by the 89th Texas Legislature?

In 2025, the 89th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 7, which made some changes to the Texas Water Fund statute. The legislature also passed House Joint Resolution 7, which proposes a constitutional amendment (Proposition 4) that will appear on the November 2025 ballot, to dedicate a portion of the revenue derived from state sales and use taxes to the Texas Water Fund and to provide for the allocation and use of that revenue.

Statutory changes to the Texas Water Fund by Senate Bill 7 include the following expansion of:

  • Funds and accounts to which funds may be transferred
  • Priorities for funding
  • Eligibility for the New Water Supply for Texas fund

Additional statutory changes contingent upon voter approval includes the following:

  • For the purposes of the constitutionally dedicated revenue stream, groundwater is considered brackish if the total dissolved solids concentration is not less than 3,000 milligrams per liter at the time of production from a well.
  • Of the money deposited to the credit of the Texas Water Fund (subject to expiration August 31, 2047), the TWDB shall allocate no less than 50 percent for transfer to the New Water Supply for Texas Fund and/or the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas.
6. How much money has been appropriated to the Texas Water Fund to date and what has it been used for?

The 88th Texas Legislature authorized a one-time, $1 billion supplemental appropriation of general revenue to the Texas Water Fund, as approved by voters in 2023. Of the initial amount appropriated to the Texas Water Fund, the TWDB was required to allocate no less than 25 percent ($250 million) to the New Water Supply for Texas Fund.

With the initial appropriation, the TWDB is required to ensure that a portion of the money transferred from the fund is used for the following:

  • Water infrastructure projects, prioritized by risk or need, for
    • rural political subdivisions; and
    • municipalities with a population less than 150,000;
  • Projects for which all required state or federal permitting has been substantially completed, as determined by the Board;
  • The statewide water public awareness program;
  • Water conservation strategies; and
  • Water loss mitigation projects.

To meet these statutory directives and in response to solicited stakeholder feedback, the TWDB Executive Administrator developed a Texas Water Fund implementation plan. As of September 2025, the TWDB has committed more than $735 million in funding from the Texas Water Fund through several financial assistance programs, as outlined in the plan.

7. When will new funding be available and what is the anticipated timeline?

Contingent upon voter approval, legislative appropriations, and the availability of sales tax revenue that exceeds the first $46.5 billion of that revenue coming into the treasury in state fiscal year 2028, funding may be transferred by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to the Texas Water Fund late in fiscal year 2028 and may be available for financial assistance through the TWDB in state fiscal year 2029.

If the collected sales tax revenue does not exceed $46.5 billion in a state fiscal year, then no money would be transferred to the Texas Water Fund, and no additional funding would be made available through the TWDB financial assistance programs.

Anticipated timeline:

  • November 4, 2025: Consideration of Proposition 4 by Texas voters
  • May 2027: General Appropriations Act (90th Texas Legislative Session)
  • Summer 2028: Transfer of constitutionally dedicated funds by Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to the Texas Water Fund, contingent upon revenue availability and legislative appropriation
  • Fall 2029: Availability of funds via TWDB financial assistance programs.

8. Where can information on sales tax revenue be found?

In January of each odd-numbered year, the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts releases its Biennial Revenue Estimate for the upcoming biennium, including a projected estimate of the amount of sales tax revenue.

The January 2025 Biennial Revenue Estimate projects an estimated $94 billion in sales tax collections for the 2026 to 2027 biennium; the Biennial Revenue Estimate for the 2028 to 2029 biennium will be available in January 2027. The Comptroller’s website also features monthly updates on state revenue collections deposited to general revenue-related funds.

9. What are the Texas Legislature’s priorities for use of the Texas Water Fund?

The TWDB must ensure that a portion of the money transferred from the fund is used for the following (those in bold were added by Senate Bill 7):

  • Water and wastewater infrastructure projects, including projects to rehabilitate or replace deficient or deteriorating infrastructure, prioritized by risk or need for financial assistance, including grants for rural political subdivisions and municipalities with a population of less than 150,000;
  • Projects for which all required state or federal permitting has been substantially completed;
  • The statewide water public awareness program;
  • Water conservation strategies;
  • Water loss mitigation projects; and
  • Technical assistance for applicants in obtaining and using financial assistance from funds and accounts administered by the TWDB.

10. Where will the money for the Texas Water Fund come from and how will it be managed?

The Texas Water Fund will receive additional transferred funding from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, subject to the availability of revenue. Money in the Texas Water Fund will be held and invested by the Texas Treasury Safekeeping Trust Company.

The TWDB may not transfer money to a fund or account, other than the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas and the Texas Water Fund Administrative Fund, until the project application for which the money is to be used has received a financial assistance commitment from the TWDB governing Board. Additionally, the TWDB may only transfer money to a fund or account subject to legislative appropriation.

11. Is the Texas Water Fund a financial assistance program?

The Texas Water Fund is not a TWDB financial assistance program and cannot offer loans or grants directly. Rather, it will enable the TWDB to provide funding through existing financial assistance programs and the newly created New Water Supply Fund for Texas. Each program will have administrative rules, guidance documents, and in some cases an “Intended Use Plan” that outlines how the program will allocate and distribute funds.

12. Does the Texas Water Fund allow for grants in addition to loans?

Money appropriated to the Texas Water Fund will be transferred to allowable program funds and accounts, as approved by the TWDB governing Board. Once funds are transferred, all statutory and rule requirements applicable to each program will apply.

Programs that have authorization for grants (or principal forgiveness) include the:

  • Rural Water Assistance Fund
  • Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds
  • Economically Distressed Areas Program
  • Flood Infrastructure Fund
  • Agricultural Water Conservation Fund
  • Newly created New Water Supply for Texas Fund.

Some programs, such as the Texas Water Development Fund and State Water Implementation Fund for Texas, do not offer grants due to statutory or constitutional limitations.

13. What is the New Water Supply for Texas Fund?

The New Water Supply for Texas Fund is a special fund in the state treasury administered by the TWDB. Of the money deposited to the credit of the Texas Water Fund from the constitutionally dedicated revenue stream before September 1, 2047, the TWDB is required to allocate no less than 50 percent for transfer to the New Water Supply for Texas fund or the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas.

The New Water Supply for Texas Fund may be used for the following purposes (additional purposes added by Senate Bill 7 are in bold):

  1. To provide financial assistance to political subdivisions of the state to develop water supply projects that create new water sources for the state, including:
    • desalination projects, including marine and brackish water desalination;
    • produced water treatment projects, other than projects that are only for purposes of oil and gas exploration;
    • aquifer storage and recovery projects;
    • water and wastewater reuse projects;
      • the required land has already been acquired;
      • a Clean Water Act Section 404 permit for the discharge of dredged or fill material has been issued by the United States Secretary of the Army;
      • a permit for the storage, taking, or diversion of state water has been issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality; and
    • the development of infrastructure to transport water or integrate water into a water supply system, other than groundwater produced from a well in this state that is not part of a project described by this subdivision.
  2. To make transfers to:
    • the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas or
    • the Texas Water Development Fund II.
  3. To make transfers to the Texas Water Bank Account, which was established to facilitate the transfer, sale, or lease of water and water rights throughout the state, including purchasing, holding, and transferring water rights in the name of the TWDB.
  4. To make transfers to the State Participation Account of Development Fund II.

The TWDB is directed to undertake project financing through the New Water Supply Fund for Texas that will lead to 7 million acre-feet of new water supplies by December 31, 2033.

14. Does the New Water Supply Fund allow for public-private partnerships?

Yes, financial assistance may be provided from the New Water Supply Fund for a qualifying project under Chapter 2267, Government Code, which covers public-private partnerships. The project must comply with all requirements of that chapter of the Government Code. The applicant must be a political subdivision of the State of Texas.

15. What is the Statewide Water Public Awareness Program?

Senate Bill 28 directed the TWDB to develop and implement a statewide water public awareness program to educate residents about water. The program will consider the difference in water needs of various geographic regions of the state and will be designed to complement and support existing local and regional water education or awareness programs.

In 2025, the TWDB awarded a contract to fund a statewide water public awareness campaign in the form of a grant from the Texas Water Fund. Campaign development is underway with plans to launch in 2026. The TWDB will seek feedback on other TWDB-led initiatives to further public awareness of water.

16. How are TWDB financial assistance program funds disbursed?

The TWDB follows administrative rules and, in some cases, an Intended Use Plan for each financial assistance program eligible to receive funds; these outline the intended method for allocating funds for that program. Eligible entities will apply for financial assistance, and the TWDB will evaluate projects according to specific application requirements. Funds will be disbursed for projects that meet all requirements, rank within the amount of funds available, and receive a formal commitment from the TWDB governing Board.

17. How can I stay informed?

Subscribe to our “General Information” and “Financial Assistance” email lists to receive the latest information.

Texas Water Development Board | 512-463-7847 | www.twdb.texas.gov

Posted by Bob Rehak on 9/27/2025

2951 Days since Hurricane Harvey

Save the Date: Kingwood Town Hall Meeting On Tuesday, Sept. 30

9/26/2025 – On Tuesday, September 30, Houston City Council Member Fred Flickinger will host a town hall meeting at the Kingwood Community Center.  The doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with informational booths from various City departments available to answer your questions. The main program will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. Please mark your calendars for this important event!

Kingwood/Lake Houston

Tuesday, September 30

Program @ 6:30 p.m.

Kingwood Community Center

4102 Rustic Woods Drive

Houston, TX 77345

Speakers Will Include

The program will feature:

  • State Representative Charles Cunningham (including a Q&A conversation with Council Member Flickinger, moderated by Charles Blain)
  • Houston Council Member Twila Carter
  • Coastal Water Authority Board Member Dan Huberty
  • Houston Public Works
  • TIRZ 10 / Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority
  • Houston Police Department
  • Houston Solid Waste Management Department
  • Houston Health Department

This will be the perfect venue to speak with City and State leaders. Submit questions before hand here to make sure the speakers come prepared to address your concerns.

Your questions will be read aloud during the Town Hall. Your feedback is a vital part of the discussion and plays a key role in shaping the future of our community.

Council Member Flickinger encourages all residents to attend.

Visit Informational Tables from 5:30 to 6:30

Before the program, you’ll also have a chance to talk directly to the people who staff key City, State and regional services. They will include:

  • Department of Neighborhoods
  • San Jacinto River Authority
  • Houston Parks and Recreation Department
  • BARC
  • 311
  • Trees for Kingwood
  • Texas General Land Office

Perfect Venue To Raise Flood Concerns

While the town hall meeting will cover far more than flooding issues, many people will be there who can address flooding concerns.

For instance:

  • Council Member Flickinger and Dan Huberty (now a member of the Coastal Water Authority board) can answer questions about the Lake Houston Dam, including repairs, replacement and the addition of gates.
  • State Rep. Charles Cunningham can answer questions about the new Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District, the TCEQ, sand mines, a river-basin-wide flood-control district, and more.
  • San Jacinto River Authority can answer your questions about lake lowering, sand traps, and joint-reservoir-operations (Lake Conroe/Lake Houston) and the near miss thousands of us had in the May Day flood of 2024.
  • Texas General Land Office is managing the distribution of more than $850 million in US Department of Housing and Urban Development Disaster Relief and Flood Mitigation funds in the Houston area. That includes $42 million for the Taylor Gully channel improvements and Woodridge Village detention basins.
  • Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority can discuss its reconstruction of Northpark Drive, and what will become the first all-weather evacuation route from Kingwood.

Questions Work Two Ways

So, submit your questions now. They will help you understand what’s going on. And they will communicate your concerns to leaders.

As Council Member Flickinger said, “Your questions, concerns, and ideas are invaluable in guiding the decisions that impact our neighborhood and quality of life.”

Posted by Bob Rehak on 9/26/25

2950 Days since Hurricane Harvey

LCA Still Complaining to SJRA About Lake Lowering

9/25/2025 – At this morning’s San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) board meeting, the president of the Lake Conroe Association (LCA) protested the SJRA’s latest efforts to find a suitable compromise that protects upstream and downstream interests.

LCA argued against SJRA’s request to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to increase the maximum release rate in advance of storms from 700 to 2,000 cubic feet per second – even though the increase could help prevent unnecessary releases and conserve water – two things the LCA claims to want.

LCA president Kevin Lacy (white shirt with back to camera) addresses SJRA board today.

Why the Need for Lake Lowering?

During public comment, Kevin Lacy, LCA president, attacked the SJRA’s lake lowering policy, which has been modified several times since Governor Greg Abbott directed the SJRA to “immediately implement” policies that protected downstream residents from flooding.

The release of 79,000 cubic feet per second from Lake Conroe accounted for roughly a third of all the water coming down the West Fork at the peak of Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The resulting surge came without warning in the middle of the night.

It killed more than a dozen people; flooded more than 13,000 homes and 3,300 businesses; damaged the US59 and West Lake Houston Parkway Bridges; flooded Kingwood High School to the second floor; and ultimately cost the City of Houston an estimated $100 million in lost tax revenue. That last number is predicated on lost sales tax revenue AND a decrease of commercial and personal property taxes of 25%.

The idea behind the lake lowering strategy: create extra storage capacity in Lake Conroe to minimize the need for such massive releases in the future. That would reduce flood risk for downstream residents until the City finishes new flood gates on Lake Houston that can keep up with Lake Conroe releases. But the gates are taking much longer than originally anticipated.

Iterations of Lake Lowering Strategy

The SJRA board has modified its lake lowering policy several times in response to pushback from the Lake Conroe Association.

  • At first, the policy called for lowering the lake by fixed amounts for fixed times during the spring rainy season and the peak of hurricane season.
  • Then, the SJRA began lowering the lake by lesser amounts and for shorter times.
  • Next, the SJRA began lowering the lake only in advance of major storms on an as-needed basis.

However, the maximum pre-release rate allowed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality was 700 cubic feet per second. That was not always fast enough to lower a lake as large as Conroe significantly before storms struck.

Higher Release Rates Actually Conserve Water

So, the SJRA had to release much further in advance of storms, i.e., a week instead of 2-3 days. The excessive lead times sometimes meant that storms could veer away before they struck. Such a “false release” happened last June, according to Lacy’s testimony today.

The obvious solution was to increase the maximum allowable release rate. That would create more storage capacity faster. So, SJRA petitioned TCEQ to increase the release rate to 2,000 CFS, almost triple the previous rate, but not so much that it would flood downstream residents. And its a rate that the existing gates on Lake Houston can keep up with.

But LCA complained about that, too, even though it would minimize wasted water and inconvenience for Lake Conroe boaters.

According to Matt Barrett, SJRA’s Flood Management Division Manager, TCEQ has not yet ruled on the increased release rate.

View Live Testimony

You can view the live testimony on the SJRA website. Lacy’s public comment and the SJRA General Manager’s response take about ten minutes. Start watching at 2:13 into the video as Lacy takes his seat.

Throughout his time at the microphone, Lacy repeatedly complains about how long the City of Houston is taking to install additional floodgates on Lake Houston. Never once does he acknowledge the number of times that the lake lowering policy saved downstream residents from flooding.

Make sure you also watch the response to Lacy’s comments from Aubrey Spear, SJRA’s general manager. Spear explains how SJRA is trying to find a suitable compromise between upstream recreational and downstream flood-mitigation interests.

Spear said in regard to the increase in the release rate to 2,000 CFS, “We are committed to optimizing flood mitigation during major storm events to reduce flood impact to properties both upstream and downstream of the dam. We are adding another tool to our toolbox that could be helpful, but may never be used.” 

Posted by Bob Rehak on 9/25/2025

2949 Days since Hurricane Harvey

Winters Bayou Project Might Reduce Flooding, Increase Water Supply

According to ChatGPT, the 2025 Texas legislature this year devoted 2.7 times more money to increasing water supply than to mitigating flooding.

The water-supply funding aims to keep Texas growing, even as large sections of the state struggle with water shortages, drought, aquifer depletion and subsidence.

Dual-Purpose Funding

But some of the money allocated by the legislature to water supply can also be used for flood mitigation – if it serves a dual purpose, such as new reservoirs. This may be a way to reduce flooding and sustain growth at the same time.

Back in 2022, I wrote a story about a draft of the first State Flood Plan. The San Jacinto/Region 6 Flood Planning Group recommended a project far upstream on the East Fork called the Winters Bayou Detention Basin. In 2024, the North Houston Association identified it as one of the Association’s top priorities.

Location of Winters Bayou Project approximately 10 miles upstream from Cleveland on the East Fork in San Jacinto County.

They chose the site for its ability to reduce flows in downstream damage centers, limited development within the footprint, and steep terrain that allows for increased storage volume.

But detention basins don’t qualify for water infrastructure funding under Texas Water Development Board SWIFT fund guidelines. SWIFT stands for State Water Infrastructure For Texas.

However, some changes in the name and design might make the Winters Bayou Project eligible.

Winters Bayou Project Might Qualify

Of all the projects listed in the San Jacinto Watershed Flood Plan, the Winters Bayou project was one of the largest.

A 54-ft tall concrete dam would create a 1.60-mile-long impoundment that captures runoff from Winters Bayou. It was conceived as a dry dam with five reinforced 10×10 concrete culverts and twin 300′ backup spillways that could hold 45,000 acre feet of floodwater (see page 180). To put that in perspective…

45,000 acre feet is about a third of the storage volume of Lake Houston.

The Houston region continues to grow at breakneck speed. And the Harris-Galveston Subsidence District is looking for new water sources to serve the area east of Lake Houston.

The Winters Bayou project is already in the Lake Houston watershed. And the City’s Northeast Water Purification Plant on Lake Houston could purify the water.

But could a water-supply reservoir still serve a flood-control purpose? Perhaps with a different design.

The project made it into the final version of the 2024 state flood plan – as a flood-mitigation-only project. But it ranked #82 in the state. And its projected $134 million cost means it won’t be done for decades, if ever.

Perhaps given the state’s new water-supply priorities, a dual purpose reservoir would rank higher and get built sooner. Plus, the sale of water might help generate revenue that defrays expenses.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 9/24/25 based on a suggestion from Kingwood flood fighter Chris Bloch

2948 Days since Hurricane Harvey