From the Harris County Flood Control District:
One year after Harris County voters approved a historic increase in maintenance funding, the Harris County Flood Control District is marking major progress, all while doubling down on its commitment to continue critical work on the region’s flood control infrastructure.
In November 2024, voters approved a dedicated $100 million annually to maintain and strengthen the 2,500 miles of bayous and creeks, 280 stormwater detention basins, and nearly 50,000 acres of land managed by the Flood Control District. The initiative was championed by Harris County Commissioners Court, paving the way for a long-term solution to a decades-old maintenance challenge.
“This first year has been about turning that investment and trust into visible results,” said Dr. Tina Petersen, Executive Director of the Flood Control District. “Maintenance isn’t glamorous, but it’s vital. And while we’ve made real progress, we know there’s still a lot to do to get this system where it needs to be.”
Progress in Year One
Since the increased funding began, Flood Control District crews have:
- Restored more than 100 miles of channels – roughly the distance from Houston to Beaumont.
- Removed 280,000 linear feet of sediment and 50,000 cubic yards of debris — about 3,000 dump trucks’ worth.
- Tripled repair projects compared to the previous year.
- Planted 15,000 trees, 8,000 seedlings, and hundreds of acres of native grasses to strengthen soil and restore natural resilience.
- Expanded FAST (Fast Action Service Teams) to cut response times in half and complete nearly 200 rapid-response projects.
Looking Ahead
“For the first time in a generation, we have dedicated maintenance funding that lets us plan ahead rather than play catch-up,” Dr. Petersen said. “The trust voters placed in us is helping us build a stronger, more resilient system for the future.”
In 2026, the Flood Control District plans to add more field crews, move more projects from design to construction, and continue addressing decades of deferred maintenance while improving how it prioritizes and tracks progress countywide.
Get Involved: Upcoming Virtual Meetings
To share details about the first year of progress and plans for 2026, the Flood Control District invites residents to attend a Maintenance Matters: Impact in Action virtual public meeting. Attendees will see before-and-after project photos, learn about upcoming work, and hear how they can stay involved in shaping future maintenance priorities.
Two sessions are available:
- Monday, Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 12 at noon
Register today at www.hcfcd.org/Maintenance.
ABOUT THE HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT
The Harris County Flood Control District plans, implements, and maintains flood risk reduction projects guided by community and natural values. With more than 2,500 miles of bayous and creeks, the Flood Control District accomplishes its mission by devising flood damage reduction plans, implementing the plans, and maintaining the infrastructure. For more information about the Flood Control District, visit HCFCD.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
