|
|
 |
|
|
About Halls Bayou
Halls Bayou, a tributary of Greens Bayou, is located in north central
Harris County, Texas. Approximately 20 milesin length, Halls Bayou collects stormwater from the Veterans Memorial
Drive area flowing east until it joins Greens Bayou at the city of Houston’s Brock Park.
Flooding along Halls Bayou is a persistent hazard for area residents, businesses and property owners. Flooding has
been documented at least 14 times since 1970. During Tropical Storm Allison in 2001, more than 13,000 homes in the
Halls Bayou watershed flooded, and during Hurricane Ike in 2008
approximately 1,400 homes were damaged by flooding.
What is Halls Ahead?
Halls Ahead is an accelerated flood damage reduction study by the Harris County Flood Control
District within the Halls Bayou watershed that will incorporate community needs and interests. During a 12-month
period that started in August 2011, a team of experts in fluvial geomorphology and in
hydrology, urban designers, environmental
scientists and civil engineers began creating a flood damage reduction plan that incorporates sustainable design
principles and considers enhancement of the urban and natural environment.
In 2011, the Flood Control District made the decision to change focus from the federal study
process in order to accelerate delivery of a flood damage reduction plan for Halls Bayou. By building on the substantial
amount of work already accomplished by the Flood Control District during the federal study process, the Halls Ahead
study follows a fast-track timeline to provide a more comprehensive flood damage reduction plan for the region.
While some flood damage reduction projects, such as the Keith-Wiess Park Stormwater Detention
Basin, are already being implemented in the Halls Bayou watershed, the Halls Ahead study will
identify additional flood damage reduction measures to further reduce flooding and risks. The Halls Ahead
study will also examine and identify opportunities for enhancing the urban environment and providing neighborhood-friendly
amenities. These may include trails, parks and habitat restoration that could be implemented through partnerships with community,
civic or other organizations.
The Halls Ahead study process is divided into three phases, and the community will be invited
to attend a public open house during each study phase:
- Phase 1: Data Gathering and Collection of Public Feedback at the Oct. 25 Public Open House
- Phase 2: Draft Plan Development and Public Review
- Phase 3: Recommended Plan Development and Presentation to the Public
We need your feedback
The Harris County Flood Control District is entering second phase of the Halls Ahead study, and
public input is a critical part of creating a successful plan that
is reflective of the community’s desires. Your feedback and
experiences will help us understand flood damage reduction needs and provide a foundation for urban design concepts.
During the study, the community will be invited to attend three separate public meetings to learn about the watershed
and the plan.
The Halls Ahead study team hosted the first public open house for this study on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011, at
MacArthur High School. Members of the public were invited to attend the open house anytime between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Displays relating to the study were available for public viewing, and Flood Control District representatives and their
consultants were available to provide information and answer questions about Halls Ahead. No formal,
oral presentation was provided, and all information was provided in English and Spanish. To review materials presented
at the Oct. 25 public open house, please contact the Halls Ahead study team by submitting an e-mail to
hallsahead@hcfcd.org or by completing the Halls Ahead Public
Input Form. Download a bilingual Halls AheadPhase 1 Study Guide
here.
Written comments may be submitted to the study team any time by mail to
Halls Ahead, ATTN: Dena Green, Harris County Flood Control District, 9900 Northwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77092.
Feedback may also be e-mailed to hallsahead@hcfcd.org or submitted through the
Halls Ahead Public Input Form.
The next public open house is planned for early Spring 2012, and the Flood Control District welcomes your participation
and feedback as we move forward with Halls Ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Harris County Flood Control District change courses from a federal study to a local study?
The Harris County Flood Control District made the decision to change focus from the federal study process
in order to accelerate delivery of a flood damage reduction plan for Halls Bayou. The Flood Control District
is now moving forward with Halls Ahead, a study that incorporates community needs and interests rather than
being driven solely by federal guidelines for economic evaluation. Halls Ahead will apply the results
generated to date from the federal feasibility process undertaken by the District from 2003-2010.
What is the Halls Ahead study timeline?
Begun in August 2011, the Halls Ahead study process is anticipated to be complete by summer 2012.
How will an accelerated study be accomplished by the Flood Control District?
The Halls Ahead flood damage reduction study will be conducted in 12 months by building on the
substantial amount of work already accomplished by the Flood Control District through the federal study process.
The Halls Ahead team will use this previous study information and incorporate new studies,
evaluations, and public feedback to create a recommended plan by summer 2012. Halls Ahead
is a local study effort, and it is not constrained by the longer timelines associated with the federal study process.
When will flood damage reduction measures identified by Halls Ahead be implemented?
Implementation of measures identified by Halls Ahead is contingent upon the availability of
funds. During the Halls Ahead study process, the Flood Control District will assess the
possibility of potential local, state and federal partners that could assist with the implementation of projects,
programs and environmental and recreational features.
When is the next public open house for Halls Ahead?
The next public open house is planned for spring 2012, and the Flood Control District welcomes your participation
and feedback as we move forward with Halls Ahead.
For mail or e-mail updates about the next public open house, please provide us with your contact information by
submitting an e-mail to hallsahead@hcfcd.org or by
completing the Halls Ahead Public Input Form.
|
|
|
|
|
|
