Issue 5
May 2021
UPCOMING WORK: Major Maintenance of Cypress Creek & Tributaries
In June 2021, the Flood Control District will begin construction on the first set of project repair sites (Batch 1) of Bond Project CI-012, Major Maintenance of Cypress Creek and Tributaries to restore channel conveyance capacity across the watershed.
Batch 1, located primarily between Spring-Cypress Road and Cypresswood Drive, inside the 77379 zip code area, includes removal of silt from the channel, placement of riprap (stones designed to protect from erosion), erosion repair, outfall pipe removal and replacement, manhole replacements, concrete channel lining replacements, excavation and off-site disposal, imported fill, and site restoration.
COMPLETED WORK: Cypress Creek De-silt Improves Stormwater Flow
De-silt work is complete on this project (Z100-00-00-X284) near the Cypress Creek bridge off Spring Gully on the downstream side of the bridge. A restored channel improves drainage efficiency and capacity, not just in the channel but also for the streets and neighborhoods that drain into the channel. More information on this project is available on our webpage.
Get Prepared: Hurricane Season Starts June 1
Hurricane Season begins June 1. We encourage everyone to take the time to prepare their families and homes for hurricanes and related impacts. Hurricanes are one of nature’s most powerful and destructive natural disasters. It only takes one to change your life.
Get Prepared. As the storm approaches, it is often too late to get ready. Visit our Storm Center to learn more.
Plans in Motion to Move Flood Control District Office Downtown
The Harris County Flood Control District, Harris County Community Services Department, and the Harris County Engineering Department could soon be moving to a new location. Recently, county commissions approved negotiating to purchase a property in downtown Houston. The move would aim to consolidate several County departments and increase efficiencies by working closely together. The address for the proposed property is 1111 Fannin and is currently occupied by JP Chase. The bank is slated to move out in the next few months. The location offers high end office space and access to METRO bus lines and light rail.
Staff from Brookhollow, Delta and NW Crossing would take part in the move. Staff at the Michael Talbott Service Center and the South Service Center would remain in their current office space.
The estimated timeline for the move is 24 – 36 months.
Brandie Johnson: Engineering Project Manager
How did you get your start at the Flood Control District?
I was introduced to Harris County Flood Control District my junior year in college. I was looking for an intern and my advisor at the time got me in contact with Steve Fitzgerald. Steve sat on the advisory counsel for the Civil Engineering Department at Prairie View A&M University. After completing two summer internships under Steve, I was offered a full-time position after graduation in the Planning Department. I worked in that Department for about 3-4 years, and then moved to the CIP- Project Management Department where I am currently a Project Manager for the CIP-South Department.
What are your day-to-day duties?
My day-to-day duties consist of directing and implementing complex/diverse programs and projects from inception to completion, including preliminary engineering studies, right-of-way acquisition, design, bidding, and construction phase services. Maintain the scope, schedule, and budget of each program/project life cycle. In addition, work with consultants, other agencies, and stakeholders to procure resources and cultivate relationships to achieve the project goals.
What do you like most about your job?
Working with like-minded individuals to make a difference in our community by developing and designing projects that provide benefit the public.
What’s the coolest thing you’re working on right now?
The Cypress Creek Implementation Plan. Typically, I manage individual projects that provide benefits to a particular area/neighborhood. This program allows me to take what I have learned on individual projects and apply it to a larger scale by identify potential locations for multiple detention basin throughout the entire Cypress Creek Watershed. In addition, be able to prioritize and create masterplan on how these basins should be implemented to benefit the community the most.
What is something about yourself that most people don't know?
That I was a college athletic (volleyball). We won a conference championship, and I was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
What’s the best thing that’s happened to you so far this week?
Conquering a fear by leading and directing a site tour for the West Houston Leadership Group. I was able to showcase, explain, and answer questions about two projects that I am currently working on. The feedback from this group and their appreciation for what we do as a District makes all the challenges worthwhile.
From the Executive Director
Click here to read the monthly message from the Harris County Flood Control District's Executive Director Russ Poppe.
Harvey Work Continues
Flood Control District Crews recently completed the demolition of one of the buildings in a Kingwood area townhome complex that flooded during Hurricane Harvey. Demolition ensures the structure will never flood again. Purchasing and demolishing properties deep in the floodplain is beneficial to all Harris County residents. It eliminates future flood damages and reduces health and safety risks for owners and rescuers. Read more about our Property Acquisition Program.
Upcoming Community Meeting
The Harris County Flood Control District will hold a virtual Community Engagement Meeting for the Morningside Place Drainage Improvements Project located in the Clear Creek Watershed. The purpose of this meeting is to inform residents about the status of the project and share project information.
The Morningside Place Drainage Improvements Project aims to improve local drainage issues and reduce the risk of flooding in the Morningside Place subdivision. This project is funded with bonds approved on August 25, 2018 by Harris County voters. Community engagement is an important component of the Bond Program, and we invite your participation as the program is implemented.
The Virtual Community Engagement Meeting will be held on:
THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Join online at PublicInput.com/MorningsidePlace
Or by phone* at 855-925-2801 with Meeting Code: 7915
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 throughout the presentation. Any comments not addressed during the Q&A session will receive a response after the event.
A recorded version of the meeting will be available on the Flood Control District’s website and YouTube channel after the event. Meetingaccommodations can be made for those with disabilities. If needed, please contact 346-286-4000 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 www.hcfcd.org/F01.
In the News
Flood mitigation projects in Meyerland showing promise
How to subscribe to Harris County flood alerts during the Flash Flood Watch
How to check the river, creek and bayou levels that impact you
New construction begins on Sims Bayou Greenway
Houston gets $22M for drainage improvements to Kingwood's Taylor Gully, Wynnewood Acres
Houston OKs $1.1 million contract for North Canal Project design
Employee Anniversaries
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