Issue 10
October 2021
$100M Flood Reduction Project in Hunting Bayou Removing Flood Plain from Thousands of Homes
From the Interim Executive Director
Click here to read the monthly message from the Harris County Flood Control District's Interim Executive Director Alan Black.
Public Outreach
Recently, Harris County and Harris County Flood Control District officials shared an update on the Hunting Bayou project that is expected to removed the floodplain from more than 4,450 homes by Spring 2022. Project Hunting (the Hunting Bayou Federal Flood Risk Management Project), is a $100 million flood damage reduction project under construction along Hunting Bayou from U.S. 59 to downstream of North Wayside Drive. Current and future project elements include:
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Excavating a stormwater detention basin on a 75-acre site near the northeast corner of Homestead Road and Loop 610
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Widening and deepening about 4 miles of Hunting Bayou
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17 bridge replacements / modifications, and/or channel conveyance improvements under bridges
Learn more about Project Hunting at http://hcfcd.org/C18
Flood Control District employees had a great time sharing information with the community at KBR KidsDay!
You can find and download fun educational materials for kids on our website at hcfcd.org/KidsCorner
500 Trees and 500 Seedlings Planted at Flood Control District Buyout Lots Along Greens Bayou
Representatives from the Harris County Flood Control District, City of Houston, Harris County Precinct Two, Houston Wilderness, and approximately 100 volunteers commemorated Texas Arbor Day by planting 1,000 native trees along Greens Bayou near Crooker/Moody Park.
$4M Donation from the Kinder Foundation for Willow Waterhole Trails and Amenities
Harris County Flood Control Engineering Division Director, Marcus Stuckett recently joined the City of Houston and Precinct officials at a ceremony to accept a $4 million grant from the Kinder Institute for improvements to Willow Waterhole. The ceremony took place at the annual MusicFest event held at the Flood Control District’s 280-acre Willow Waterhole Stormwater Detention Basin.
The Willow Waterhole Greenway consists of six flood control detention basins and large greenspace areas, overseen by the Harris County Flood Control District and Houston Parks & Recreation Department. The all-volunteer Willow Waterhole Greenspace Conservancy, Brays Oaks Management District, and community donors have been making improvements to the greenspace since 2005.
Jason Wilkinson:
Department Manager
Development and Coordination Inspection Department
How long have you been with the Flood Control District?
Nearly 5 years
How did you get your start at the Flood Control District?
I started at the Flood Control District as a Construction Inspector IV with the Construction Department
What are your day to day responsibilities?
I manage the department that oversees any construction activities within Flood Control District rights-of-way by non-Flood Control District entities. I also manage the team that oversees the demolition of flood-prone properties purchased by Flood Control District. In addition, I facilitate the acceptance of detention basins and channels developed and constructed by non-Flood Control District entities, once they have satisfactorily met our acceptance criteria.
What is your favorite thing about working at the Flood Control District?
My favorite thing about working at Flood Control District is the pride in knowing that our organization provides a much-needed service to the residents of Harris County.
What’s the coolest thing you’re working on right now?
Since I am a licensed unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) pilot, I think the coolest thing I am working on is trying to utilize the District’s small, but growing, fleet of drones to capture aerial imagery and provide timely topographical surveys of an upcoming excavation and removal (E&R) basin. Hopefully, we will be able to provide photos, orthomosaics (a high-resolution, map-quality image), and excavation quantities by simply flying over a basin. In turn, I hope this transitions into further usage of unmanned aerial vehicles throughout Flood Control District.
What is the best career lesson you've learned so far?
The best lesson I have learned is to never settle and to never be complacent. Constantly striving to better yourself and proving your worth is extremely valuable.
What is something about you that people would be surprised to know?
I am a big fan of comic books and comic book movies. A few years ago, I designed and built costumes for fun. Through this, I was selected by both Marvel Entertainment and DC Comics to represent their brands at San Diego Comic Con and on their official YouTube channels.
Feel free to share anything else about yourself, your role or your experience at the Flood Control District!
I have thoroughly enjoyed my career thus far with the Flood Control District, and I look forward to what the next 20 years brings! Hopefully fewer flood events!
Upcoming Community Meeting
The Harris County Flood Control District will hold a Community Engagement Meeting for the Riggs and Yale stormwater detention basins. The purpose of this meeting is to inform residents about the status of the two stormwater detention basins and share information about both projects.
The Riggs and Yale stormwater detention basins focus on reducing the risk of flooding in the Little White Oak Bayou subwatershed in the White Oak Bayou watershed. These two projects will be paid for with funds from the 2018 Bond Program that were approved by Harris County voters on August 25, 2018. Community engagement is an important component
The Virtual Community Engagement Meeting will be held on:
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Join online at: PublicInput.com/LittleWO
Or by phone* at 855-925-2801 with Meeting Code: 4671
The meeting will begin with a brief presentation to share project updates, followed by a moderated Q&A session with Flood Control District team members. Residents will be able to submit questions and comments before, during and after the meeting and throughout the public comment period.
Even if you are unable to attend the live meeting, residents are encouraged to register for the meeting to receive future project updates. A recorded version of the meeting will be available on the Flood Control District’s website and YouTube channel after the event. Meeting accommodations can be made for those with disabilities. If needed, please contact 346-286-4040 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. For questions, please contact the Flood Control District at 346-286-4000, or fill out the comment form online at hcfcd.org/F09.
In the News
City of Houston proposes White Oak Bayou trail detours
Phase 1 of drainage project near Hwy. 249, FM 2920 nears completion following delay
Houston Parks Board Completes Connection of Hunting Bayou Greenway to Greens Bayou Greenway
Employee Anniversaries
Current Projects
