Issue 28
June 2023
Funding provided for Poor Farm Ditch Stormwater Conveyance Improvements
On June 28, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher hosted a press conference to announce federal funding for stormwater conveyance improvements along Poor Farm Ditch. Poor Farm Ditch provides drainage to approximately 1,330 acres of highly developed area in the Brays Bayou watershed.
Executive Director Dr. Tina Petersen attended the event and thanked the cities of Southside Place and West University Place for their collaboration, as well as elected officials at all levels of government for their support in making this project possible.
The funding will help build a new channel structure to rehabilitate the existing channel, while improving stormwater capacity, reinforcing access ramps, and ensuring the Flood Control District can conduct maintenance work on the channel moving forward.
To learn more about this project, visit hcfcd.org/C12
The Work Continues
As of June 2023, the excavation & removal (E&R) contractor for the Cypress Rosehill Stormwater Detention Basin (HCFCD Unit M528-01-00) has excavated a total 97,879 cubic yards (approximately 9,780 truckloads) from the project site. An E&R project is a low-cost way to excavate the basin in advance of major project construction.
This basin is located on a 25-acre tract on the east side of Cypress Rosehill Road, between Burkhardt Road and Seidel Cemetery Road, in northwest Harris County.
The purpose of the basin is to reduce flood risks in the Willow Creek watershed by safely storing excess stormwater during heavy rain events and slowly releasing it back to the bayou when the threat of flooding has passed.
The 2023 Hurricane Season has begun
The 2023 Hurricane Season began June 1, 2023. The Flood Control District encourages Harris County residents to prepare their families and homes for hurricanes and other weather-related impacts. Hurricanes can shatter lives as well as damage property. Being prepared can help you, your family or your business minimize the impact of the storm.
“The best time to start preparing is before the threat is imminent. Knowing what tools are available to you before a disaster will enable you and your family to make the best choices during a hurricane. While we can never prevent flooding entirely, the Flood Control District offers several interactive tools that are packed with valuable information about area bayous and streams," said Dr. Tina Petersen, Executive Director.
“Residents need to be prepared by creating a hurricane kit with supplies, having an action plan for you and your family in the event of a storm, and frequently monitoring trusted weather sources throughout hurricane season. During a severe weather event, the Flood Control District's Flood Operations team will monitor rainfall trends and check the gages that measure rainfall amounts and water levels in bayous and creeks. This important data is critical to helping residents make informed decisions,” said Jeff Lindner, Meteorologist.
Preparedness is the key to protecting Harris County residents and property. By preparing in advance of a weather event, residents can minimize damages as much as possible if a hurricane threatens the area. Do not wait until a storm is approaching to get ready.
Purchase flood insurance. The 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. Flood insurance accelerates the rebuilding and replacement of personal property and fosters community resiliency as a whole. For information on flood insurance, visit the National Flood Insurance Program website or call 1-888-379-9531.
Sign up for FWS alerts. The Flood Warning System offers an alert feature that allows residents to subscribe to receive email and/or text alerts that report near real-time rainfall and water levels. Residents are able to customize alerts and notifications for bayous and tributaries in their particular areas of interest. Sign up for the Alert Notification System at fwsalerts.org.
Know your home’s risk of flooding. You can view a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM or floodplain map) at the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Map Service Center.
View the Flood Control District Storm Center webpage at hcfcd.org/stormcenter to view the Hurricane Guide, information on Flood Insurance and more.
Flood Control District presents to Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum
Maintenance Continues
Maintenance and repairs continue to move forward in the Addicks Reservoir Watershed for Repair Package 1 (Project ID Z100-00-00-X308). Our contractor is currently installing outfall pipes and interceptors on a section of channel formally identified as Unit ID: U106-00-00
Pushing Forward
The Mud Gully Channel Conveyance Improvements project (Project ID A120-00-00-C004) continues to move forward despite impacts from recent weather events. Crews are focused on work along the channel bottom along the northbound side of the Mud Gully (Beamer Ditch).
Construction Update
The Flood Control District attended the Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum, which focused on “Emergency Preparedness - Planning and Preparing for a Disaster Event.” Each invited speaker gave an overview of their agency’s efforts around emergency preparedness. Ataul Hannan, Planning Division Director for the Flood Control District, explored the importance of the organization’s work and operations and its benefits to Harris County residents.
The Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum hosts this monthly event to help local businesses grow through connecting, networking, and educating on government and corporate projects, and other procurement opportunities.
Construction continues on Phase II of the $22.5 million Lauder Stormwater Detention Basin project in the Greens Bayou watershed. More than 300,000 cubic yards of soil has been excavated from the site, and when complete, it will hold approximately 212 million gallons, or more than 651-acre feet, of excess stormwater. Phase I of the project was completed in Spring 2022, and Phase II is estimated to be completed in early 2024.
Click here to read the most recent tips to stay safe!
Ground broken on Bear Creek Village Subdivision Drainage Improvement Project
In the News
Houston approves agreement with Harris County for 24 flood mitigation projects
Drainage improvement project breaks ground in Bear Creek Village
The Flood Control District's Executive Director Dr. Tina Petersen attended the Bear Creek Village Subdivision Drainage Improvement Project Groundbreaking hosted by Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones.
The $20.2 million drainage improvement project includes upsizing the storm sewer system, reconstructing driveways and street sections, and adjusting waterlines and sanitary sewer lines.
Dr. Petersen’s remarks highlighted the fact that preventing all flooding in Harris County is virtually impossible, but every project helps the community cope with flooding by helping to reduce the risk and frequency of damages. She also thanked the local, state, and federal partners who help make projects like this a reality.
Flood Control District recruits at Veteran Career Fair
On June 7, the Flood Control District attended the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Veteran Readiness and Employment’s career fair at Houston Community College’s West Loop Campus.
This job fair was created by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs with the objective of aiding veterans in the job-seeking process and facilitating their connections with employers who are interested in hiring members of this community. This event was also hosted alongside a total of four other face-to-face Career Fairs and an additional Nationwide Virtual Career Fair throughout the United States on the same day. Our human resources team was excited to take part.
Learn more about joining our team at: hcfcd.org/jobs
Flood Control District recruits at SER Job Fair
It was a busy month for our Human Resources team as they continued to meet with residents seeking information about employment. The Flood Control District recently attended the SER Jobs fair to promote career opportunities at the organization.
SER Jobs helps individuals from low-income communities improve their lives through education, training, employment, and financial empowerment services.
Hydrologic Team speaks at Crop Meeting about this year’s Hurricane Season
Jeff Lindner, Director of Hydrologic Operations with the Flood Control District, attended the 2023 Matagorda County Crop Tour in El Maton, Texas. Jeff gave a presentation on this year's Weather and Hurricane Outlook to help inform farming strategies and other work during this year’s hurricane season.
Hosted by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, the purpose of meetings like these are to help better educate Texans about agriculture, environmental stewardship, human capital and leadership, and community economic development. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is a statewide educational agency and a member of the Texas A&M University System linked in a unique partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension System and the local County governments in Texas.
Sheldra Brigham
External & Employee Communications Lead
What is your title and Department?
I am the External & Employee Communications Lead.
How long have you been with the Flood Control District?
I have worked at the Flood Control District for three years.
What does your job at the Flood Control District entail?
As the External and Employee Communications Lead, I develop and manage comprehensive internal and external communication campaigns that raise the awareness and visibility of the Flood Control District.
The External Communications team covers a range of activities, including:
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Planning, coordinating, and executing publications and communications, including newsletters, email marketing materials, and brochures.
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Planning and executing events, like press conferences, groundbreakings, and other media outreach opportunities
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Creating content and shooting / editing video for several different uses both internally and externally
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Managing our social media channels, which reach thousands of residents every day
I also manage our Employee Communications team, which includes internal messaging, employee engagement, and internal support as needed. I work alongside our Creative Services Lead and Project Communications Lead to ensure our messaging about Flood Control District activities are strategic and meaningful to our internal and external audiences.
What is your favorite thing about working at the Flood Control District?
Team members across the Flood Control District are very helpful and responsive to requests for information. Given the nature of our work, I’m constantly going to internal teams to get information for reporters, stakeholders and other audiences. I still feel like a new employee at times and find that whenever I have a question or need background on a particular project or process someone has always taken the time to share their knowledge.
What’s the coolest thing you’re working on right now?
It’s all very hush, hush...
What has been your favorite project so far?
Since joining the Flood Control District one of the projects that I have enjoyed the most is the creation of The Watermark Newsletter. There wasn’t an internal newsletter when I started working here, and the need was great to have a platform keep employees informed, boost employee engagement, reinforce the agency’s brand and messaging, and celebrate company and employee achievements. The process started with asking employees to weigh in on a name for this new effort and “The Watermark Newsletter” received the most votes!
We are now on our 28th issue with many more to come!
What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
It is important to be your own cheerleader whenever you can and to be self-motivated. Believe in yourself!
What is something about yourself that most people don't know?
Most people here may not know that I was a tv news anchor for 17 years. I worked in news markets in Alabama, Texas, and Oklahoma before switching to the communications field. I also taught journalism classes for five years and really enjoyed working with students. One of the greatest rewards of teaching is seeing the progress of your students. Looking at their faces light up after grasping a new piece of knowledge is priceless.
What is something about you that people would be surprised to know?
I have a daughter who recently graduated from college and a set of boy/girl twins. Also, when I was 15, I was in an all-girl singing group. We recorded several songs, but nothing was ever released. It was a great experience!
What was your first job?
My first job was at Subway. I was a sandwich artist!
What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy a job that allows creativity and flexibility.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work?
I love learning new things – that’s what gives me immense motivation. The very fact that I am adding to my knowledge base every day at work is a big positive for me. I believe that learning should never stop. Given the level of competition in the workforce nowadays, it is imperative to constantly reinvent yourself by accumulating as much knowledge as possible.
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