Three years after Hurricane Harvey, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has released the Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study Interim Report to evaluate options to prevent future flooding within the region and seek further input before the study is estimated to be completed in spring 2021. During Harvey, overflow from Cypress Creek into Addicks Reservoir, which when combined with Barker Reservoir flood waters, lead to historic flooding downstream in Buffalo Bayou as well as upstream backup, impacting more than 2,200 homes in the greater WFDD area. WFDD and members of the Houston Stronger Coalition, which WFDD supports, are urging the public to educate themselves on the study findings, including available flood prevention alternatives, some of which WFDD and many others support that USACE no longer plans to pursue.
“At this time, WFDD does not believe USACE’s recommended options provide any immediate benefit to our area or meaningful and practical long-term solutions for the region,” says WFDD President Wendy Duncan. While the USACE comment period officially ended this month, public comments can still be made by email to BBTRS@usace.army.mil. Read the full report or watch a presentation by District Attorney Steve Robinson to learn more about options being proposed.
Willow Fork Park Receives Regional Award
A central outdoor gathering area in the Katy area since 2016, Willow Fork Park has received Special Recognition from the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) in its annual Parks and Natural Areas Awards in the Projects Over 500,000 category. The awards recognize outstanding practices across the Houston-Galveston region, highlighting projects that serve as models for regional consideration. Willow Fork Park is an example of a public-public and public-private partnership to achieve broad-reaching goals that benefit the quality of life for residents and visitors. Now more than ever, Willow Fork Park provides much needed outdoor space where families, friends, students, and other organizations can more safely gather while experiencing natural surroundings. WFDD’s signature public plaza space Central Green received H-GAC recognition in 2013.
Meet Our Board & Get in Touch
With more than 27 years of experience combined, what makes the WFDD board especially committed is that as residents, they recognize the impact and benefits of what they have collectively achieved for the community over the last several decades. From Joe Robinson, the District’s investment officer and advocate for senior tax exemptions, who has served since 2004, to recent board-appointed director Gregg Nady, who was instrumental in trail additions along Barker Dam through the energy corridor to improve options for people cycling to work, WFDD directors are committed to the community and knowledgeable in a variety of areas. Joining WFDD in 2013, Dan Smith brings engineering expertise to review construction, repair and flood prevention projects, while John Poulter’s management background provides operational oversight. Current president Wendy Duncan believes community relations is a priority, responding to website inquiries and sharing information community-wide on social media, as well as leading flood prevention efforts that positively impact WFDD and its residents. The bottom line—WFDD serves and wants to hear from residents! Read more on WFDD’s Board & Operations or Contact Us through our website.
