Final Day to Submit Input for SAFER Study: Harris County Residents Encouraged to Share Flood Risk Reduction Ideas
If you've ever wondered how your voice could help shape the future of flood mitigation in your neighborhood, today is your chance to be heard.
September 25 marks the final day for residents to submit comments during Phase 1 of the SAFER Study—a multi-year, large-scale flood risk reduction initiative led by the Harris County Flood Control District in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The study, officially named the Solutions for Advancing Floodplain Evaluation and Resilience (SAFER) Study, launched this summer with the goal of identifying transformational strategies to protect communities across Harris County from future floods.
Today’s deadline is for what’s known as the scoping phase, where community feedback is not only welcomed but actively sought. Residents in Remington Ranch and beyond are encouraged to submit their ideas for reducing flood risk before the Phase 1 comment period closes at midnight.
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A Community-Centered Approach to Flood Mitigation
The SAFER Study isn’t your typical flood project—it’s an ambitious, forward-looking effort that aims to evaluate entire systems of watersheds rather than isolated problem spots. With 11 watersheds under review—including Buffalo Bayou, Cypress Creek, White Oak Bayou, and Sims Bayou—this initiative represents one of the most comprehensive flood risk evaluations ever undertaken in Harris County.
Rather than starting from scratch, the study builds on years of work already done by the Flood Control District, including insights from projects like MAAPnext, existing capital improvements, and tunnel investigations. But this time, the lens is wider and the stakes are higher. SAFER aims to tackle flooding through large-scale solutions like expanded channels, regional detention basins, or even massive stormwater tunnels.
And community voices play a vital role in that.
The Flood Control District is using this initial phase to better understand the values and priorities of the people who live in Harris County. Phase 1 of the SAFER Study is designed to collect ideas directly from residents—about what matters most to them when it comes to flooding and what kinds of large-scale solutions they believe should be explored. This community-driven input will play a key role in shaping the next stages of the study.
What Will the SAFER Study Achieve?
When completed, the SAFER Study will deliver a Draft Feasibility Report and a Draft Environmental Impact Statement—comprehensive documents that will evaluate the costs, benefits, and potential impacts of various flood mitigation solutions. This will help guide which projects should move forward, and most importantly, which ones are likely to receive federal funding.
Because the proposed solutions are so expansive in scale and cost, the SAFER Study follows the rigorous federal feasibility process, ensuring its findings are eligible for Congressional authorization in the 2028 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). That means more funding, more coordinated efforts, and ultimately, more protection for neighborhoods like Remington Ranch.
Key milestones in the timeline include:
- Summer 2025 – Public scoping phase (ending today)
- 2026 – Evaluation of proposed alternatives
- 2026–2027 – Draft report and public review
- 2027 – Final report submission
- 2028 – Target for federal approval and funding
Click to enlarge. (Source: HCFCD)How to Submit Your Feedback Today
Your input will shape how SAFER prioritizes future projects—and which types of flood solutions are explored further. If you live in one of the included watersheds or have ever experienced flooding in your area, now is the time to share your story or ideas.
Residents can submit feedback in several ways before the September 25 deadline:
- Complete the online form: Submit your ideas here
- Email comments: comments@theSAFERstudy.org
- Mail feedback
- Attention: Mr. Danny Allen
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 2000 Fort Point Road, Galveston, TX 77550
- Record your story online: Record via StoryPipe
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Harris County Flood Resilience Flooding is Harris County’s most frequent natural disaster. A new county-wide Flood Resilience Plan is underway—led by the Harris County Flood Control District and supported by a multi-agency team—to develop long-term strategies that strengthen community resilience.
Public meetings are coming soon. Learn more and share your input at www.HCFloodResilience.net.
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Why Your Voice Matters
Flooding has long been a shared concern for Harris County residents, especially in the wake of increasingly severe storm events. The SAFER Study is a unique opportunity for the community to help guide meaningful, long-term solutions. By participating in Phase 1, residents help ensure that the final strategies reflect local priorities, lived experiences, and real needs on the ground.
Whether you're a homeowner who’s experienced repeated flooding, a renter concerned about emergency access, or a parent thinking about the safety of your child’s school route, your perspective matters.
The SAFER Study is funded by the 2018 Bond Program, which supports projects that help reduce the risk of flooding now and into the future.
Don’t let the opportunity pass. Submit your comment today and help shape the future of flood risk reduction in Remington Ranch and across Harris County.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
