Issue 35
February 2024
Flood Control District Highlights Projects, Partnerships, and Ongoing Efforts to Japanese Delegation
The Flood Control District recently took part in a meeting and tour with a high-ranking delegation from Japan, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The delegation's primary focus was on federal and municipal climate resilience, disaster recovery, and associated policies and programs, with a special interest in Houston and Harris County following Hurricane Harvey.
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During the visit, Flood Control District staff had the opportunity to engage with the delegation, providing them with a comprehensive overview of major initiatives and our ongoing objectives. Following the presentation, the delegation toured several project sites, gaining firsthand insights into the projects' impact and progress. A huge thank you to those involved in making this day a success!
Flood Control District Joins Congresswoman Fletcher's Office in Celebrating Construction on the Meyergrove Stormwater Detention Basin
The Flood Control District team joined an event hosted by Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher to celebrate construction on the Meyergrove Stormwater Detention Basin, located in the Brays Bayou watershed. This project, set to provide approximately 84 acre-feet of stormwater storage, represents an exciting step forward in our ongoing efforts to fortify our community against flooding.
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Funded by the 2018 Bond Program and Federal Community Directed Funding secured by Congresswoman Fletcher, construction is slated for completion by late Q3 2024. The event brought together key stakeholders and featured remarks from Congresswoman Fletcher, Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, and Dr. Tina Petersen, highlighting the project's importance in mitigating flood risks and enhancing recreational amenities for residents.
Hill at Sims Greenway Project Moving Forward
With the recent approval of the last major funding component by Harris County Commissioners Court, the Flood Control District joined Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis to celebrate progress on the Hill at Sims project. The press conference was hosted by Precinct One and the Houston Parks Board. The Hill at Sims is situated on a stormwater detention basin site owned by the Flood Control District with the capacity to hold nearly 325 million gallons of stormwater.
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The additional funding will be used to enhance the existing stormwater detention basin with recreational amenities, including the addition of 4.5 miles of new hike-and-bike trails. Construction is underway with an expected completion date set for the end of 2025.
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During the event, Dr. Tina Petersen, representing the Flood Control District, emphasized the project's significance in integrating flood mitigation with greenspace.
Yeehaw! Educating the Public During the 2024 Harris County CERT Rodeo
Our Hydrologic Operations staff hosted a table at the 2024 Harris County Citizen Corps 17th Annual CERT Rodeo. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Rodeo brings in more than 500 volunteer emergency responders from across Harris County together for training, recognition, and sharing knowledge related to emergency preparedness.
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At the event, attendees could learn about floodplain management, real-time monitoring tools, and engage in interactive demonstrations.
Selective Clearing
Teams from the Flood Control District recently completed selective clearing operations to remove non-native, invasive vegetation in heavily forested areas of a series of watersheds, including San Jacinto River, Cypress Creek, Little Cypress Creek, Willow Creek, Carpenters Bayou, Goose Creek, Greens Bayou, Cedar Bayou, and Jackson Bayou.
The Work Continues
Devise, Implement, Maintain. Repair work is underway along sections of Panther Creek. Crews are working to repair eroded slopes and replace drainage pipes. Learn more about projects with the San Jacinto River watershed at hcfcd.org/san-jacinto-river
S.A.M.E. Luncheon
Our Chief Project Delivery Officer, Jesal Shah, recently represented the Flood Control District at the Society of American Military Engineers’ (SAME) monthly luncheon. Jesal spoke about relevant projects and milestones that the Flood Control District has reached and some plans for the future.
In the News
Groundbreaking at new stormwater basin in Meyerland
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Katy community invited to virtual public meeting about Clay Stormwater Detention Basin
Clear Creek $5.5 million watershed project set to begin in February
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Cypress Creek Drainage Improvement District board explores flood mitigation funding
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Dylan Epley
What is your title and Department?
I am a Property Manager for the Property Management Department.
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How long have you been with the Flood Control District?
7 ½ years
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How did you get your start at the Flood Control District?
I started off as an Outfield Data Collector in the GIS Department.
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What does your job at the Flood Control District entail?
A Property Manager’s primary job is processing service requests, land-use agreements, and easement sales. Beyond that, we tend to be a jack-of-all-trades position. We can and will work with every department within the Flood Control District. We also coordinate with other public entities when the need arises. Property Managers typically know a little about a lot, and if we don’t know something, we tend to know where to find it.
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What is your favorite thing about working at the Flood Control District?
I get to do a job that truly helps our community. I think that goes for everyone at the Flood Control District because if you don’t believe in that mission, what are you doing here? Also, we get to see every crevice of Harris County, and the job changes on an hourly basis. I never know what the day has in store for me when I wake up.
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What’s the coolest thing you’re working on right now?
Probably gearing up for the asset management program. Having the ability to use data-driven solutions to proactively maintain our infrastructure is going to revolutionize the way we do business here. We should be able to know and plan years in advance for maintenance of our assets.
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What has been your favorite project so far?
They are all my children, so I can’t pick one.
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What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
If you are working on something and you are between two opposing groups, it would be easy to just make one group happy and make the other group mad. The right way, which is usually the hard way, is to make both sides a little unhappy. If both sides are a little unhappy, you have probably forced a compromise and that’s going to be better for everyone in the long run.
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What’s the best thing that’s happened to you so far this week?
I had a very successful Javelina hunt in South Texas over the weekend. I will tell anyone who wants to hear about it. My fellow Property Managers are honestly probably tired of hearing about it.
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What is something about yourself that most people don't know?
I play disc golf like a mad man. I will play 2-3 times a week, and if I can squeeze in a fourth, I would.
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What is something about you that people would be surprised to know?
At one point in time, I was a serious downhill longboarder. I have gone 55 mph on a skateboard. I had to quit once I moved to Houston because the hills are pretty much non-existent.
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What was your first job?
My first job was working at a fireworks stand, but that only lasted for two weeks. My first real job was working on a large plantation in North Queensland, Australia. I was the guy who put stickers on avocados.
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What do you like most about your job?
The people I work with. Being able to learn from and talk to so many different people that have vastly different backgrounds and interests is by far the best part.
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What motivates you to wake up and go to work?
Knowing that what I do matters in this community. It is sometimes thankless, but it truly makes a huge contribution.
Current Projects
