Harris County Voters Approve Proposition A to Boost Flood Control District Funding
In the General and Special Elections held on November 5, 2024, Harris County voters passed Proposition A, a key measure that will increase funding for the Harris County Flood Control District’s maintenance efforts. According to live election results from the Harris County Clerk's Office, 723,387 voters (51.35%) voted in favor of the proposition, signaling public support for enhancing the county’s flood control infrastructure.
Proposition A involves a tax increase, raising the Flood Control District's ad valorem tax rate by 1.581 cents per $100 of property value. This tax increase is higher than the current Voter Approval Rate (VAR) that was approved by the Harris County Commissioners Court. The new revenue generated from this increase will help fund the ongoing maintenance of flood control infrastructure in the region.
Harris County has faced recurring flooding challenges over the years, with a history of significant flood events—many of which have resulted in devastating economic losses. Most notably, Hurricane Harvey in 2017 caused more than $125 billion in damages. Given the region’s vulnerability to severe weather, maintaining and improving flood control systems has been an urgent and ongoing priority for county officials.
While the Flood Control District has made significant progress in recent years, including a $5.2 billion investment in new flood control projects, the aging infrastructure is beginning to show signs of wear. The county’s flood control efforts have expanded significantly in the past few decades, with hundreds of miles of infrastructure added through bond-funded projects, but as this infrastructure nears the end of its lifecycle, the costs to maintain it have increased.
Proposition A is expected to generate approximately $100 million in additional revenue, raising the district's maintenance budget to $241 million. This additional funding will allow for crucial repairs, sediment removal, erosion management, and concrete replacements. The maintenance of these systems is vital not only for preventing property damage but also for ensuring that residents can rely on the flood control infrastructure in future flood events.
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Lesley Briones, Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner, who has been an advocate for Proposition A, emphasized the importance of the tax increase for the county's future preparedness.
"I am grateful that the people of Harris County supported this investment to better prepare for future weather events and to better protect our families," said Commissioner Briones in a statement. "As a steward of taxpayer resources, I look forward to working with my colleagues on Commissioners Court and the Flood Control District to ensure these maintenance funds are used efficiently, effectively, and transparently."
Briones also highlighted the long-term impact of the proposition, stating, “Passing Prop A is a significant step toward making Harris County safer and more resilient for generations to come.”
The passage of Proposition A represents a crucial step forward in addressing the ongoing maintenance needs of Harris County’s flood control systems. As more areas of the county are developed, and as climate change potentially increases the frequency and severity of severe weather events, flood management will continue to be a high priority for the region. The additional funds made available by Proposition A will help the district maintain its infrastructure, ensure public safety, and support the county’s efforts to mitigate future flooding risks.
For more information on Harris County's flood control initiatives and upcoming projects, residents can visit the Harris County Flood Control District website at 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.
