Houston Stronger is a coalition of civic groups, business associations and active citizens from throughout the Texas Gulf Coast region dedicated to working with local, state and federal officials to implement a comprehensive regional flood control plan that safeguards our citizens and property. As a group Houston Stronger feels there must be a collective and strong response to Hurricane Harvey and it must start now.
Houston Stronger will hold a symposium on May 31st at 2:00 p.m. at Houston Community College’s West Houston Institute to promote a bond election and resiliency efforts in the region.
Why a bond election? Congress has allocated more than $141 billion to help Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and 20 other states address emergency response and resiliency expenses from storms in 2017. In order to be eligible to receive these dollars, local governments are required to provide matching funds.
“If we act quickly, for every dollar Harris County provides, the federal government can provide between two and ten dollars in funding.” said John Moody, Chairman of the West Houston Association and one of Houston Stronger’s organizers.
On March 27th, Harris County Commissioner’s Court met and discussed calling an election for voter approval on bond funding that would provide the required local match for much-needed flood control projects. Houston Stronger estimates that Harris County is likely to need approval for a bond of at least $2.5 billion to receive federal funds to support buyouts, channel improvements, and other resiliency projects to bring 100-year storm protection to the other 21 major watersheds in Harris County. Harris County estimates that $2.5 billion in bonds would be a tax increase of 5 cents per $100 value is required.
Speakers for the May 31st event include Judge Ed Emmett, and Marvin Odom, & Russ Poppe with many more to join.