Howdy WHA Members!
While flood infrastructure has been a hot topic this past month, thankfully we’ve avoided actual flooding.
At the state level, the Texas Water Development Board adopted the first statewide flood plan and sent it to the Legislature for approval later this month. This plan is crucial for ensuring coordinated, efficient, and equitable flood mitigation efforts across the state, reducing risks and protecting communities from the devastating impacts of flooding. Locally, Harris County Flood Control District shared the 2024 bond update (pdf) showing that 42 of the 181 original projects have been completed and closed out and in total about 40% of the work has been completed for the intended 10-year program. Meanwhile, Harris County voters will decide on a proposed property tax rate increase for the Flood Control District on November 5, which would fund ongoing and future flood mitigation projects. If approved, the tax rate increase will generate an additional $100 million annually to accelerate infrastructure rehabilitation and replacement.
We also held our annual Flood Control Forum, with a crowd of over 150 people, which focused on partnerships in flood risk mitigation in the greater Houston region.
Moving from flooding to mobility, next week we are hosting a forum entitled “Connecting Communities: The Impact of Toll Road & TxDOT Expansions in Fort Bend.” Panelists David Gornet (Fort Bend Co Toll Road), Grady Mapes (TxDOT), and Jay Sears (NewQuest) will discuss how expansion of toll roads and highways in Fort Bend County fosters development, enhances connectivity, and drives economic growth. Moderated by Jim Webb (The Goodman Corporation), the panelists will discuss how planned investments such as Grand Parkway Segment C, Missouri City Park and Ride, widening of US-90 and IH-10, extension of Westpark Toll Road to Fulshear, extension of Fort Bend Parkway Toll Road eventually to SH-36, and continued evaluation and planning of Highways 36A, are synergistically bolstering the greater Houston region and enhancing our economic vitality.
We also have a handful of committee meetings over the next few weeks. Join us September 4th for our Flood Control & Drainage Committee discussing possible tax increases to pay for improved HCFCD maintenance, September 5th for our Education & Workforce Committee which is exploring questions of HCCs service area, September 9th for our Government Affairs Committee which is working on our 2025 legislative agenda, September 10th for our Sustainable Infrastructure Committee with guest Lisa Lin from Harris County Sustainability, September 16th for our Regional Mobility Committee, September 19th for both our Water Resources Committee and for our Quality Planned Development Committee which will be discussing some communities up for the QPD recognition.
Mark your calendars now for October 9th, for our annual Public Officials & Awards Reception. This member only event will recognize public and elected officials, award winners, and projects that have made an impact in our region. In addition to recognizing Sustainability Stars and Quality Planned Developments, this will be the first year WHA is recognizing mobility projects.
I’m looking forward to seeing many of you this month and I thank you for being part of the West Houston Association! Your involvement is crucial in driving quality planned development, sustainable infrastructure, and ongoing advancement for our region!