Issues statement commending Department of Transportation’s grant following Hurricane Harvey to enhance public safety in City of Houston
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement regarding the Department of Transportation’s grant to the City of Houston for an advanced roadway flood warning system, which Sen. Cruz personally raised with Secretary Chao on behalf of the City of Houston as part of a recent meeting with the city regarding Hurricane Harvey funding.
“I am pleased that the City of Houston was awarded the grant they needed from the Department of Transportation to implement an advanced roadway flood warning system through the city,” Sen. Cruz said. “When Hurricane Harvey barreled into Texas and parked over our city, we saw historic flooding, which resulted in tragic loss of life. We had Texans jumping into their bass boats to cross flooded roadways to save their neighbors and their fellow Texans. This program will enhance public safety and help protect Houstonians and other drivers using these roadways in the event of future flooding.”
“These improvements will save lives,” Mayor Turner said. “Our delegation helped advocate for these funds, and I thank Senator Cruz for his help. Thanks to these grant funds, we will be able to help people avoid these dangerous situations.”
This grant money will be used to implement an advanced roadway flood warning system throughout the City of Houston. Specific sites in and around the city that are prone to flooding and a danger to drivers during a major weather event will be equipped with an advanced high water monitoring system and visual alerts, such as advance-warning flashers and dynamic message signs, to better alert drivers about flooded roadways.