Culberson Announces Nearly $4.5 billion to Finish Every Federally Authorized Flood Mitigation Project

-Army Corps of Engineers announces project list to finish six bayou upgrades, including Buffalo and Brays Bayous-
–Nearly $14 million in new studies, including how a third reservoir can reduce flooding on Buffalo Bayou and its tributaries–

Congressman John Culberson announced today he has secured funding to finish every federally authorized flood-control project in Houston and Harris County. The projects are being paid for by the $141 billion authorized in the 2017 hurricane relief bills.

“Updating our flood-control network has always been a high priority of mine, and it took on new urgency after Hurricane Harvey,” Congressman Culberson said. “Through my position on the Appropriations Committee, I put Houston at the front of the line to receive this money. I kept my word to ensure the Harris County Flood Control District now has enough money to finish every federally authorized flood-control project they have already started.”

The Army Corps of Engineers will be funding nearly $4.5 billion in construction projects in Houston and Harris County. The construction list is as follows:

  • Brays Bayou – $75 million
  • Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries – $1.4 million
  • Clear Creek – $295 million
  • Hunting Bayou – $65 million
  • Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Costal Storm Risk Management and Ecosystem Restoration Project -around $4 billion
  • White Oak Bayou – $45 million

The funding also provides nearly $14 million to study future flood-control projects important to Harris County.

  • Brazos River Study – $3 million
  • Houston Regional Watershed Study – $3 million
  • Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Study – $6 million
  • Coastal Texas Study – $1.9 million

The $6 million for Buffalo Bayou will fund a comprehensive study to look at ways to combat flooding along the bayou and tributaries, which includes studying the possibility of adding a third reservoir.

“I’ve long supported building a third reservoir, and this study is the first step the federal government must take. I am pleased the Corps is finally moving forward with such a comprehensive study to find the most effective ways to combat flooding on Buffalo Bayou and its tributaries,” Congressman Culberson added. “Today’s announcement is a tangible next step in strengthening our flood prevention infrastructure to protect homes and businesses in the future.”