During September 24, 2019 Commissioners Court, Commissioner Ken R. DeMerchant proposed an important agenda item creating the Project Brazos Committee to address the continued erosion of the Brazos River at a local and regional level. On October 29th 2019 the first Project Brazos meeting was held to present and discuss solutions to this critical issue. Together, with coordinated efforts between the US Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Bend County, City of Sugar Land, and Huitt-Zollars a cost effective and environmentally friendly solution was proposed.
On December 11, 2019 Commissioner DeMerchant hosted a meeting and invited elected officials to view the erosion damage first hand in an effort to understand the gravity of the Brazos River’s destructive path. The meeting was attended by Texas State Senator Lois Kolkhorst, and State Representatives Ron Reynolds, Rick Miller, Phil Stephenson, as well as a representative from Texas State Senator Boris Miles office.
The presentation at the meeting exhibited the far reaching impact of the river’s erosion in 13 major areas in Fort Bend County, which includes Simonton, Grand Parkway, Interstate 69, Highway 90A, Sienna Plantation amongst others. The impact to Fort Bend County is estimated to be around $8 billion in infrastructure damage affecting over 700,000 residents.
Commissioner DeMerchant, along with Commissioner Morales and Sugar Land Mayor Zimmerman, continue their collaborative efforts to ensure the safety and longevity of the residents of Fort Bend County. A concerted effort on the part of elected officials, to understand what is at stake and be a part of the solution for all of Fort Bend County.