Flood Risk Reduction Plan Approved for Texas
A comprehensive plan to reduce flood risk in Texas has been approved by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB). The $55 billion statewide plan aims to protect over 5 million Texans living or working in high-risk flood areas. The plan includes 4,609 flood risk reduction solutions that could potentially remove approximately 843,300 people from the 100-year annual chance floodplain.
The TWDB’s plan is being submitted to the Texas Legislature and includes a range of solutions, from upgrading storm sewers to conservation easement acquisition. Nearly half of the budget, $24 billion, will go towards the Galveston Bay Surge Protection Coastal Storm Risk Management project, also known as the “Ike Dike.” This project alone is estimated to cost around $57 billion, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers kick-starting funding with a $500,000 allotment.
The San Jacinto region, which includes Galveston and Houston, is identified as the most pressing area of need, with flood risk reduction solutions in this region accounting for over $20 billion of the project budget. The TWDB ranked the proposed solutions based on their impact during 100-year floods.
To fund the proposed solutions, the TWDB suggests that local and regional governments will need public support to implement and finance mitigation efforts. Utility fees, permitting, taxes, and bond programs, along with state and financial assistance, are likely to pay for the many projects proposed.
TWDB Chairwoman Brooke Paup stated that this plan is a significant step forward for the State of Texas, saying “This document will help save lives and property throughout the state.”
