Harris County Flood Control District Nearly Triples Projects, Speeds Up Repairs After Boost in Maintenance Funding
A year after Harris County voters approved a major investment in flood control infrastructure, the Harris County Flood Control District is showing what progress looks like—with tripled project output, faster repairs, and a renewed focus on long-term resilience.
In November 2024, voters overwhelmingly supported a dedicated $100 million in annual maintenance funding—a transformative step forward for the county’s flood management system. Backed by Harris County Commissioners Court, the initiative sought to tackle aging infrastructure, accelerate repairs, and help prevent future flooding disasters across the region.
Since then, the results have been clear—and measurable.
“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.”
Flood Control Milestones in 2025
This year alone, the Flood Control District restored over 100 miles of bayous and creeks—the equivalent of the drive from Houston to Beaumont. Crews also removed 280,000 linear feet of sediment and 50,000 cubic yards of debris, equaling about 3,000 dump trucks’ worth of obstruction cleared from area waterways.
The district’s project count has nearly tripled compared to the previous year, and proactive improvements to erosion control and natural habitat have seen the planting of 15,000 trees, 8,000 seedlings, and hundreds of acres of native grasses.
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Additionally, the expansion of the Fast Action Service Teams (FAST) program has helped the district cut response times in half, completing nearly 200 rapid-response repair and maintenance projects throughout Harris County.
“For the first time in a generation, we have dedicated maintenance funding that lets us plan ahead rather than play catch-up,” said Dr. Petersen. “The trust voters placed in us is helping us build a stronger, more resilient system for the future.”
The Harris County Flood Control District is responsible for planning, implementing, and maintaining flood risk reduction projects that protect lives, property, and the environment. Managing more than 2,500 miles of bayous and creeks, 280 stormwater detention basins, and nearly 50,000 acres of land, the district carries out its mission with a commitment to community and natural values.
The agency works year-round to develop flood damage reduction plans, execute them efficiently, and ensure long-term care of the infrastructure that supports one of the most flood-prone regions in the country.
Planning for 2026 and Beyond
Looking ahead, the district intends to further scale up operations. Plans include hiring additional field crews, transitioning more projects from the design phase to active construction, and refining how projects are prioritized and tracked to maximize effectiveness across all precincts.
Residents are also being invited to join the conversation and learn more during two virtual community meetings scheduled for:
- Monday, Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 12:00 p.m.
To attend, register at hcfcd.org/Maintenance.
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The meetings, titled Maintenance Matters: Impact in Action, will offer an inside look at before-and-after project photos, share updates for the upcoming year, and provide information on how the public can stay involved.
For more information, visit HCFCD.org.
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.
