For the past 5 years, WHA’s Flood Control Committee has been under the leadership of BGE’s Lee Lennard. When Harvey hit Lennard and the committee stepped up to the plate and lead the coordination and creation of what would become the Houston Stronger Flood Protection Plan. Now with 3 years past and the passage of the $2.5 bond election, our Flood Control committee welcomes new leadership.
“After serving as Chair of the Flood Control, Drainage and Wetlands Committee since 2014, I am pleased to pass the baton of leadership to Tim Buscha, PE, CFM as your new Chairman. Tim served previously as Vice Chair of the Committee and will insure a seamless transition during this critical time of rapid and profound change in the region. Tim is a recognized leader and expert in hydraulics and hydrology. In the post-Harvey regulatory world, his experience will serve WHA well as we engage and advocate for sound policy, criteria, and regulation. Mr. Buscha serves as President of IDS Engineering Group.” said Lennard when asked about the transition of leadership.
“Stepping into the Vice Chair position is Andy Palermo, PE, CFM. Andy is, and will continue to be, a key contributor on the committee, lending his expertise to the many challenges and issues we face. Mr. Palermo serves as Associate Principal | Department Manager – Hydrology and Hydraulics at EHRA Engineering.”
Bios: 
Tim’s background as an agricultural engineer shapes his approach to harnessing natural resources to fulfill human requirements while preserving the environment. His 12-year tenure with the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Resources Conservation Service, managing river bank stabilization and earthen dam projects, helps him understand the mindset and daily pressures of agency personnel. Whether planning drainage for a master-planned community to maximize development potential, appealing FEMA watershed designations, or analyzing long-term impact of planned regional detention, Tim takes a wide-angle view of each project’s interrelationship with the regional system. He applies creativity to all projects, whether solving the emergency replacement of a failed bridge or overseeing the multi-phased reconstruction of an urban outfall channel. Tim is active in the Texas Floodplain Managers Association, Texas Water Conservation Association, and Houston Chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies, having chaired their stormwater committee.
Andy Palermo started his engineering career as a summer intern at EHRA during his senior year in college. After obtaining a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University the following semester, he joined the EHRA team in 2003. He leads the Hydrology & Hydraulics and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) team at EHRA as a Practice Area Leader and Vice President of the firm. Andy’s experience ranges from creating master drainage plans for proposed master-planned communities, to drainage improvement projects for flood-impacted areas and watershed studies that result in FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map revisions. He is also involved with the firm’s Strategic Planning team, working to establish goals and objectives to continue the firm’s success. He is an active member in the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Houston – Stormwater Management Committee Chair, West Houston Association (WHA) – Flood Control, Drainage & Wetlands Committee Vice-Chair, Texas Floodplain Management Association, and Houston Contractors Association – Flood Committee. Outside of work, Andy enjoys the occasional round of golf, working in the yard, coaching his son’s youth sports teams, and spending time with friends.
Thank you, Tim and Andy for your continued efforts and volunteering your time, talents and energy to help West Houston continue our mission of Quality Growth.