Issue 37
April / May 2024
Recognizing Employee Efforts During Recent Weather Events
The recent inclement weather events this spring have tested the resilience and dedication of the Flood Control District team. Faced with both a significant flooding event and a powerful windstorm, our employees demonstrated extraordinary efforts in managing and mitigating the impact of these disasters. The flooding event at the end of April required quick thinking and coordinated action from multiple teams. Just as recovery efforts were underway, a mid-May windstorm brought additional challenges, including widespread debris and damage to infrastructure. Over 11,550 cubic yards of debris were identified across the affected areas resulting from both events, with 68% of the 126 debris points from the flooding event cleared and 24% of the 715 debris points from the windstorm addressed so far.
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Special recognition is due to the infrastructure and operations administration, hydrologic operations team, GIS team, planning division, property acquisition team, communications team, and flood watch volunteers. Their combined efforts ensured the swift and effective management of these crises. The Building Services team, facilities maintenance team, and support teams played crucial roles in the recovery process as well, conducting damage assessments and maintaining operations despite significant disruptions.
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We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone at the Flood Control District who worked tirelessly during these events. Your dedication, hard work, and willingness to go above and beyond have been truly inspiring. Your collective response has not only mitigated the immediate impacts of these disasters but also strengthened our preparedness for future challenges. Thank you to everyone for your unwavering commitment and perseverance during these trying times. Your efforts have made a significant difference, and we are deeply grateful for everything you do.
Community Celebrates Completion of South Shaver Stormwater Detention Basin
Harris County Precinct 2 recently hosted a ribbon-cutting event celebrating the completion of the South Shaver Stormwater Detention Basin, a project managed by the Flood Control District in the Sims Bayou watershed. The completion of the stormwater detention basin was marked as a milestone achievement in flood prevention within Harris County, and Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia noted the Flood Control District's work in ensuring the project becoming a reality.
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The basin has the capacity to hold 136 million gallons of stormwater during heavy rain events, providing benefits to more than 449 homes and helping address long-standing concerns in the community. The $9.9 million project also included the construction of a new access road to Milstead Middle School from Hartsook Street, enhancing local infrastructure.
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For more information about the project, visit hcfcd.org/C-10.
Industry Day Event Highlights Opportunities for Contracting Community
In May, the Flood Control District, in collaboration with the Harris County Engineering Department, Harris County Housing and Community Development (HCD), Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity (DEEO), and the Harris County Purchasing, hosted a highly successful Industry Day event.
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Nearly 200 members of the contracting community had the opportunity to engage with, gaining valuable insights into contracting opportunities for upcoming flood damage reduction projects funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Disaster Recovery and Mitigation Programs. Speakers during event underscored the collective effort required to make these important flood damage reduction projects a reality. For more information about the CDBG-MIT and CDBG-DR, visit hcfcd.org/CDBG.
Tree Planting Competition Recognized at Commissioners Court
Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones honored this year’s Tree Planting Competition during Commissioners Court on 4/23/24. The resolution acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Houston Area Urban Forestry Council (HAUFC) and the Flood Control District, highlighting the event's role in enhancing urban forestry and environmental stewardship in the region.
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Our own Nic Griffin was specifically recognized for his work in organizing the competition and Commissioner Briones expressed her gratitude for his work and involvement with HAUFC. The Annual Tree Planting Competition is held every year in the spring and has been directly responsible for the planting of thousands of trees throughout the Houston-area. For more information about the Houston Area Urban Forestry Council and what they do, visit www.haufc.org.
New Faces – April & May 2024
We are delighted to introduce a group of talented professionals who have recently joined the Flood Control District team. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with their diverse roles and responsibilities and be sure to welcome them to the organization!