Public Input Welcome on Houston Flood Control

The study investigates flood damage reduction and ecosystem restoration alternatives to identify a recommended plan that is acceptable to the public and competitive for federal funding.

The study area encompasses Buffalo Bayou from Barker Reservoir eastward through downtown Houston to the Houston Ship Channel Turning Basin, a distance of about 32 miles.

In 2001, Tropical Storm Alison flooded the confluence of White Oak Bayou and Buffalo Bayou. (Photo courtesy Harris County)

At Allen's Landing, the historical birthplace of Houston, White Oak Bayou meets Buffalo Bayou.

The study area extends along White Oak Bayou north and west from downtown Houston to Loop 610, a distance of about seven miles.

Flooding has plagued the area since 1879, when Houston experienced its first devastating flood, followed by others in 1929 and 1935, which submerged Main Street and other high traffic roads. The only flood since to take a comparable toll on lives and property was that of Tropical Storm Allison in 2001.

Five years after local government and business leaders approved the Buffalo Bayou Masterplan to turn the bayou into a public attraction with flood and stormwater control measures, trails and wildlife habitats, the public voted its support on November 6 by rejecting a new jail on the bayou.

A $195 million bond proposal to build a massive jail on the bayou's north bank was defeated, the first bond issue turned down in 20 years in Harris County.

Whatever is decided for flood damage reduction and ecosystem restoration of Buffalo Bayou will have to be coordinated with the masterplan, which includes plans for widening the floodplain, creating wetlands, marshes and riparian areas and expanding wildlife areas.

The Harris County-Army Corps study is currently in the second year of the overall seven year study period. It will include a review of current and past flooding conditions, and the identification and evaluation of opportunities for flood damage reduction and restoration of portions of the environment that have been impacted by urbanization.

Investigators will consider alternatives such as purchase and relocation of homes and business that flood frequently. Also under consideration are stormwater detention basins, channel modifications, bypass channels and improvements to bridges.

When considering the flood damage reduction components of the study, the district must evaluate the beneficial and adverse impacts to natural resources such as water quality, construction costs, and the economic value of homes and businesses in the study area.

Ecosystem restoration components include planting of trees and vegetation along the bayou or tributaries.

Creation of tidal marshes, restoration of wetlands, creation of wetlands in stormwater detention basins and reconnection of oxbows are also under consideration.

The next phase of the study will focus on formulating, evaluating, and selecting a plan. This phase will last approximately two to four years, during which time components for flood damage reduction and ecosystem restoration will be identified and evaluated.

At the end of this phase, Harris County Flood Control District anticipates identifying a plan that will be coordinated with Army Corps and environmental agencies and verified for technical, environmental, and policy compliance.

Two public information meetings were held earlier this month to solicit input, and the public comment period is still open. Comments are accepted online through December 20 at: http://www.hcfcd.org/buffalolowerwhiteoak/contactemail.asp

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