Issue 22
December 2022
Learn more about our Buyout Programs
Home Buyouts
Purchasing and demolishing properties located deep in the floodplain is one tool in the Flood Control District’s flood risk reduction toolbox. Because of their location, flood risk for some properties cannot be adequately reduced through structural flood risk reduction projects. Our Buyout Program eliminates future flood damage and reduces health and safety risks for owners and first responders during heavy rain events, while also providing public open space.
The Work Continues
Devise. Build. Maintain. Infrastructure maintenance is a critical component in optimizing our drainage network. Channel restoration work is ongoing along Keegans Bayou between Dairy Ashford and Keegan Road. The objective of this maintenance project is to repair identified areas along the channel reach that have experienced erosion or other deficiencies. The maintenance activities for this channel include slope repair, granular fill, and desilt.
For more information about Major Maintenance Projects like this, visit HCFCD.org.
Dr. Tina Petersen speaks to the Houston Hispanic Architects and Engineers, Inc.
The Flood Control District's Executive Director, Dr. Tina Petersen, recently spoke at the December monthly luncheon for the Houston Hispanic Architects & Engineers, Inc. (HHAE). Dr. Petersen spoke to HHAE members about the wealth of work being done by the Flood Control District, including the importance of Flood Mitigation and Resilience Projects, the Flood Control District's ongoing relationship with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as well as updates regarding the 2018 Bond Program.
HHAE was established in 1983, is an association of Professional Architects and Engineers operating as a non-profit organization under the laws of the State of Texas. It’s objectives are to organize and unite in fellowship the architects and engineers of the Houston Metropolitan Area; to combine their efforts so as to promote the scientific and practical development of the professions; to promote economical growth among the Members of the association; to advance the standard of the architectural and engineering sciences and the art of planning and constructing; to coordinate the construction industry and the professions of architecture and engineering to insure the advancement of the living standards of its members through their improved environment; and to make the professions an ever-increasing service to society.
For more information about HHAE, click here.
A Time for Maintenance
Maintaining our infrastructure is critical in keeping our drainage network performing as designed. Sod is being installed along the concrete lining of this tributary to Buffalo Bayou. Only about 6 percent of the bayous and channels in Harris County contain concrete lining.
For more information about maintenance like this, visit HCFCD.org.
Construction completed on Batches 1 & 2 of the Cypress Creek and Tributaries Major Maintenance Program
As of December 2022, the Flood Control District has completed work on Batch 1 and Batch 2 of the Major Maintenance of Cypress Creek and Tributaries program. This program aims to restore channel conveyance capacity in the watershed by repairing erosion and removing the sediment that has built up over time.
Robert Prejean
Multimedia Specialist
How long have you been with the Flood Control District?
-
Monday, October 24, 2022.
How did you get your start at the Flood Control District?
-
I was referred to the position by an associate in the industry who knew of my professional experience in brand consultation, print web, and marketing design.
What does your job at the Flood Control District entail?
-
My role is responsible for creating and executing multimedia projects for the Communications Division.
What is your favorite thing about working at the Flood Control District?
-
It is a role that services the community that I live in and an area of public service that is of great interest.
What has been your favorite project so far?
-
I’m currently working on designing the Harris County’s first Climate Action Plan (CAP) for internal operations. It provides an overview of recent climate hazards that have impacted the County, climate risks through the lens of public service delivery, and the benefits and opportunities for taking local climate action. This is a joint effort of the Harris County Office of County Administration and 17 other county departments including the Harris County Flood Control District.
What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
-
I've sat on all sides of the desk in my industry. Buyer, seller, supplier, designer, director, and even client. The one that has provided the most depth is as an Account Executive for one of the industry’s largest promotional apparel suppliers, Sanmar. In this role, during the height of supply chain shortages due to COVID 19, I gained insight into the nature of business with a deep understanding of what our clients were expecting, having been a client of Sanmar for 7-years prior.
What’s the best thing that’s happened to you so far this week?
-
Met more of my department’s staff at the department Holiday gathering and was able to have conversations in a casual environment.
What is something about yourself that most people don't know?
-
I’m fascinated by survival shows, especially the History Channels series, Alone.
What is something about you that people would be surprised to know?
-
In ‘92 there was a 50/50 chance that I would go to Atlanta, GA or Houston, TX because the school I was attending was available in each and I was practically 5-hours between the two. I chose Houston for one important reason, I only had to cross one state line. Made it feel closer to a young boy that had never been more thand a few hours from home in his life.
What was your first job?
-
I started working at the age of 13 in Denham Springs, LA on a minor’s work permit at The Seafood Shoppe. My first job was in the food processing role doing what is called, “backing crabs.” This was a process of removing the shell and claws to prepare the crab to be picked the following day. I received $1 for every bushel shelled. By the age of 15, I managed the cooking and distribution side of the business.
What do you like most about your job?
-
I’ve worked the private sector for most of my career. The focus was always to design something to help my clients make money. As mentioned before, I feel that at the Flood Control District I am providing a greater service to my community in a field that has great interest to me.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work?
-
An alarm clock.
Current Projects
