The Harris County Flood Control District is set to begin construction on a series of stormwater detention basins located at Braeswood Boulevard between Endicott Lane and South Post Oak Road to reduce the risk of flooding in the vicinity of the basins and along Brays Bayou.
Harris County Commissioners Court issued a notice to proceed on the project, allowing the project to begin in the coming days. The project is expected to take four months to complete.
"We are working with a sense of urgency to break ground and complete hundreds of individual flood control projects like these across Harris County," said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. "Flooding is the most common and costly type of disaster we face, and we'll continue to pursue a flood agenda that is fast, fair and smart to protect neighborhoods and communities that for too long have been caught in a cycle of flooding and recovery."
The project is a partnership effort with the City of Houston, which will convey the property for the project, and the Flood Control District, which will construct and maintain the basins.
"This project is the type of partnership that leverages the strengths of all our local government entities to bring meaningful protection to many Houston residents," said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. "We look forward to many more opportunities around the City."
Consisting of three separate storage cells, the project will collectively hold approximately 37 acre-feet (more than 12 million gallons) of stormwater during heavy rain events.
"The Meyerland detention project brings much-needed relief to the Meyerland area, a community that has long suffered from chronic flooding. With an additional 37 acre feet of detention space, those living near Brays Bayou will have additional security and detention during severe rain events, said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07)."
Additionally, after the project is constructed, tree plantings will take place to replace the trees affected during construction.
"I appreciate the Harris County Flood Control District and City of Houston's work to reduce the impact of future storms on the Meyerland area. Meyerland has experienced consecutive, repeated flooding in 2015, 2016, and 2017," said Texas Rep. Sarah Davis, House District 134. "Vital infrastructure projects like this floodwater retention basin will improve quality of life in Meyerland and help give residents peace of mind during the next storm. I look forward to the completion of this project."
The contractor will use heavy construction equipment such as dump trucks, excavators and bulldozers to remove trees, vegetation and excavated soil. Motorists are urged to be alert to truck traffic when passing near construction access points.
To date, the Flood Control District has made more than $400 million in improvements in the Brays Bayou watershed - primarily through Project Brays, a cooperative effort between the Flood Control District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For project information and updates, visit www.hcfcd.org/Z02
ABOUT THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT
The Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) provides flood damage reduction projects that work, with appropriate regard for community and natural values. With more than 1,500 bayous and creeks totaling approximately 2,500 miles in length, the Flood Control District accomplishes its mission by devising flood damage reduction plans, implementing the plans and maintaining the infrastructure. To learn more about the Flood Control District, visit www.hcfcd.org.