Issue 17
June 2022
From the Executive Director
Click here to read the monthly message from the Harris County Flood Control District's Executive Director Dr. Tina Petersen.
Project Update
The third phase of the Zube Stormwater Detention Basin project began construction earlier this year. In this phase, the Flood Control District will lower the flow line of Little Cypress Creek through the existing basin and incorporate 9,300 feet of natural stable channel design features in the creek channel.
Learn more about this project at hcfcd.org/f27.
Construction Update
Construction progress continues for Bond Project C-25 with excavation of the P518-11-00 Detention Basin, located in the Halls Bayou watershed between Hardy Toll Road and Aldine Westfield Road. Learn more about this project at http://hcfcd.org/C25
The Work Continues
General drainage system repairs continue in the south portion of Harris County. Maintenance and storm repair projects keep our flood risk reduction infrastructure working efficiently, as originally designed, or repair it after a major rain event.
Learn about maintenance projects happening in your area at hcfcd.org/Active-Projects
Major maintenance at multiple individual project sites along Cypress Creek and its tributaries continues. The project involves major maintenance to restore channel conveyance capacity and will be constructed in 6-8 batches.
Visit http://hcfcd.org/CI-012 to learn more.
In the News
A $30 billion vision to build eight massive flood tunnels could redefine Harris County flood control
Harris County Flood Control District estimates underground flood tunnels could cost $30 billion
Harris County Advances $30B Eight-Tunnel Flood Control Plan
Abandoned pets keep getting trapped in Willow Waterhole Bayou, but help is on the way
Harris County Flood Control District offers tips to prepare for start of hurricane season
Get Informed about your Flood Risk
The Harris County Flood Control District recommends that all Harris County residents become informed about their flood risk and have flood insurance no matter where they reside in Harris County & their proximity to a mapped floodplain. Learn more at hcfcd.org/floodinsurance.
Flood Control District leaders visit Washington, D.C.
Recently, leaders from the Flood Control District took to Washington, DC to meet with project partners and elected officials. The team met with the Assistant Secretary of the Army, Civil Works with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters and elected leaders from across the Houston region. Together, we're finding innovative approaches to make Harris County more resilient. It takes partnerships and collaboration at all levels of government to move flood risk reduction efforts forward in our region!
Flood Control District WINS at 37th Annual Excalibur Awards
The Harris County Flood Control District Communications Division earned three recognitions from the Public Relation Society of America - Houston Chapter's 37th Annual Excalibur Awards on Thursday, June 23. Our team's mission is to educate and engage Harris County residents by providing essential information about flood risk reduction efforts in our region. Congratulations to the team!
The Flood Control District was recognized in the following categories:
Newsletters: watermarknewsletter.com
Special Publications: bit.ly/3zZ2Q0U
Video: youtu.be/UAq8pi7a5Rc
Stay Safe in the Sun this Summer
Welcome to the Safety Corner! This new series, provided by the Flood Control District's Human Resources Division, will provide monthly tips to stay safe year-round.
Check out our Summer Sun Safety Tips here.
Virtual Community Engagement Meeting for Sims Bayou Tributary C124-00-00 Feasibility Study
The Harris County Flood Control District will hold a Virtual Community Engagement Meeting for the Tributary C124-00-00 Feasibility Study located in the Sims Bayou watershed. The purpose of this meeting is to inform residents about the status of the project and share project information. Learn more about the upcoming meeting here.
Pooja Bhatta
Project Manager
How long have you been with the Flood Control District?
I have been working with the Harris County Flood Control District almost 1.5 years.
How did you get your start at the Flood Control District?
I joined the Flood Control District to enhance my knowledge of the drainage sector. I was working with City of Houston before I came here.
What does your job at the Flood Control District entail?
I have been responsible for directing and implementing complex projects for the Capital Project Department South from inception to construction including feasibility studies, preliminary engineering, design, and bidding lifecycle stages.
What is your favorite thing about working at the Flood Control District?
My favorite thing about the Flood Control District is the good working environment and warm people. I also love my team, my projects and flexible schedule at my workplace.
What has been your favorite project so far?
My favorite project is South Shaver Stormwater Detention Basin. This was my first project at the Flood Control District and it is now in the construction stage. I am the Design Project Manager and am very happy to see my project being built at ground level.
What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
Always learn from your mistakes and never repeat the same mistake.
What’s the best thing that’s happened to you so far this week?
Seeing my five-year-old daughter can swim at swimming pool.
What is something about yourself that most people don't know?
I graduated from school in Nepal and came to USA in 2013 for better work opportunity. I am from the country that is home to majestic Mt. Everest, which is highest mountain in the world.
What is something about you that people would be surprised to know?
I didn’t know how to drive when I first came to USA. I took classes from driving school in Houston.
What was your first job?
My first job was at the City of Houston as a Project Technician. After working as a Project Technician for nine months, I was promoted to Graduate Engineer.
What do you like most about your job?
I am learning and growing every day.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work?
I love what I do at my workplace. If you love your job, it motivates you to take your project to the next level.
Current Projects
