Harris County Precinct 3 Launches Innovative Flood Resilience Project at Cypress Park
Harris County Precinct 3 has announced the first of its two pilot projects aimed at enhancing storm water detention and boosting flood resilience at Cypress Park. Dubbed the 'Detention Pond Enhancement Pilot Program', this new initiative features extensive construction work including land excavation and the installation of solar-powered water valves designed to lower the Cypress Pond water level prior to a storm.
The project's main achievement will be the additional stormwater detention for Cypress Creek, which could see containment of up to 120 acres of water per foot, or the equivalent of 60 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Construction is slated to commence in April 2024, with the program reaching completion in early 2025.
The Cypress Creek watershed, which extends from the northwest Harris County into Waller County, spans a total of 267 square miles and drains into the main waterway, Cypress Creek. The watershed comes under one of the largest in Harris County by size, and the fifth largest by population, housing an estimated 347,000 residents as per the 2010 U.S. Census.
Like much of Harris County, the Cypress Creek watershed is prone to flooding, according to the Harris County Flood Control District. However, parts of the watershed that were developed prior to the District's current understanding of floodplains, especially the downstream or eastern portion, have fewer restrictions on building, whereas the later-developed upstream or western portion comes with more robust stormwater detention regulations to mitigate downstream flooding impacts. The work being carried out as part of the Detention Pond Enhancement Pilot Program falls directly in line with the Harris County Flood Control District's mission of providing flood damage reduction projects that effectively safeguard both the community and natural values.
As part of these expansive construction efforts, a portion of the Cypress Park Trail will be temporarily closed. The project, with a budget of $6.7 million, has been entrusted to Sterling Site Services. The Harris County Flood Control District serves as one of the key funding partners for the initiative. For any inquiries related to the project, individuals can contact Harris County Precinct 3 at 713-274-3100.
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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.
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