HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A $104 million project will bring the nation’s largest flood rescue training facility, known as STORM Ranch, to Mission Bend.
The initiative, led by the Community Volunteer Fire Department and Harris Fort Bend Emergency Services District 100, will transform 27 acres into a state-of-the-art training center for first responders and the public.
The facility will focus on improving training for swift-water rescues and flood response. Capt. Samantha Smith of the Community Volunteer Fire Department said the program will incorporate lessons from major U.S. flood events, including Hurricane Harvey, to ensure realistic and effective instruction.
STORM Ranch will include safety features such as emergency stop buttons on each light post to immediately halt activities if necessary. The facility will offer a controlled training environment designed specifically for emergency response, unlike current sites such as water parks or natural waterways.
Capt. Smith said many community members have requested training to improve their personal readiness for severe weather events.
Currently, Houston-area first responders must travel to New York or North Carolina for advanced swift-water training. The new local facility will reduce travel costs and safety risks while allowing more responders to participate.
Construction will begin in early 2026, starting with the development of swift-water channels, ponds, and water features in the first phase. That phase is expected to take 18 to 22 months, depending on weather conditions.
STORM Ranch will operate year-round, unlike similar facilities in colder regions that close during winter months. Capt. Smith said the project reflects Texas’s commitment to large-scale preparedness efforts and aims to strengthen the state’s response capabilities during major flood events.
