Flood prevention needs action — with a plan or not
It’s time for officials to focus on getting back to pre-Harvey condition now
Now that Congress has approved legislation to provide major disaster relief, it is imperative for state and local officials to set priorities and make real progress on flood prevention and mitigation. While the development of a comprehensive regional flood prevention plan should be the ultimate goal, we cannot wait for agreement on the final plan. We need to move quickly to address several areas and projects that are of obvious benefit.
With hurricane season looming, the first thing we need to do is get back to pre-Harvey condition.
Harvey caused almost $200 million worth of damage to existing Harris County Flood Control District infrastructure throughout the county, including facilities inside the city of Houston. Mayor Sylvester Turner and I have asked the state of Texas to provide funds to restore our infrastructure.
Flood mitigation projects that are under construction or fully planned need to be completed as soon as possible. Flood control projects on Bray’s Bayou, White Oak Bayou, Hunting Bayou and Clear Creek should not be delayed further. Their completion is the quickest way to remove thousands of homes and businesses from danger.
On the west side of Harris County, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must move rapidly to restore the capacity and functionality of the Addicks and Barker reservoirs. Any doubts about how those reservoirs will perform in future storms must be removed. And people who live and work around Addicks and Barker must know how they will be impacted in every rain event.
Officials at all levels should commit to preserving the Katy Prairie as a national or state park or nature preserve. That single act might do more to protect our community than any other. It will not only reduce future flooding, it will send a clear signal that we have a new attitude – that we recognize the value of maximizing natural green space and we understand the importance of allowing waterways to function without interference. The decision to permanently preserve and protect what remains of the Katy Prairie does not need to wait on funding. Let’s just make the decision and announce it.
A third reservoir along the HarrisWaller county line seems to be on every list of needed projects. Talk is cheap, though. Firm decisions must be made. Who will fund, build and maintain it?
Ever since Harvey, I have urged the state to allocate $500 million from its “Rainy Day Fund” for the third reservoir, either as a loan or a grant. It is also important that the third reservoir be located properly to maximize flood protection and to not work counter to other efforts, such as preserving the Katy Prairie. I think it should be located to provide direct relief to the Cypress Creek watershed itself, instead of just limiting the overflow from the Cypress Creek watershed into the Addicks and Barker reservoirs.
The rains of Harvey, compounded by the release of water from Lake Conroe, exposed the need for new projects along the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston. The Harris County Flood Control District, hopefully with funding from the state, must immediately begin the process of removing silt from the San Jacinto River. And the District should coordinate with the city of Houston to restore the capacity of Lake Houston and improve its ability to provide protection from flooding.
Throughout Harris County, there are areas where development has been allowed and where recent floods have repeatedly inundated those homes, apartments and businesses. Rather than continue to pay to restore those properties, the wisest and most cost-efficient course in the long term is to buy out the property owner and convert those areas to green space or flood detention projects.
In the heart of Harris County, Buffalo Bayou is a scenic wonder in places and a magnificent public space in others. It is also a major liability in certain areas. Along its course, there are many jurisdictions, interest groups and private owners involved. Cooperation and creativity must give us a comprehensive plan for Buffalo Bayou from its beginning in the west to where it becomes the Houston Ship Channel.
These priorities, plus numerous others and the routine maintenance of tributaries and ditches, present us with an enormous task. Let us get about that task with true purpose and bring to bear all resources necessary.