West Reach: Design Complete on Flood Project, More Funding Needed

Flooding has long plagued the West Reach of Greens Bayou. Now, after decades of stops and starts, a design to tackle the problem is complete.

In 1990, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) received authorization to study Houston’s watersheds. Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) reviewed the recommendations and felt they were too expensive to undertake. The HCFCD then asked for a review that narrowed the focus to specific flooding areas and only identified projects with limited environmental impact. In 1994, the USACE received authorization to review the initial design.

The new design, which was released this month, focused on the area along Greens Bayou between Cutten Road and Veterans Memorial. The design provides four options to mitigate flooding, but notes that the best solution is the creation of a 108-acre detention basin and 3.7 miles of channel improvements.

The anticipated budget for the project is $40 million. Congress authorized funds for the USACE to design the project, but there is currently no funding for construction.

Regina Lindsey, executive director of the Greens Bayou Corridor Coalition, and other interested parties, recently met with Congressional leaders to talk about the project and make sure the issue remains a priority.

The West Reach of Greens Bayou spans from US Highway 290 to Veterans Memorial Drive.

Many in the region are hoping the project is funded. During Tropical Storm Allison, 15,000 structures flooded and the area sustained $5 billion in damages.

About $10 million is needed to begin construction.