SAVE THE DATE
Houston Stronger Membership Meeting
June 29, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Energy Tower 1, 11700 Katy Freeway,
Conference Center Room 105, Houston, TX 77079
Confirmed speakers:
Mr. Scott Elmer and Ms. Tommi Jo Scott from the Harris County Flood Control District
Tim Buscha, Chair, San Jacinto Regional Flood Planning Group
This will be a hybrid meeting, A follow-up email will be sent on how to register for the in-person lunch meeting or to receive the Zoom link Lunch sponsorships are available at $250.
If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact Chris@HoustonStronger.net.
Legislative Session
$625 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR THE
FLOOD INFRASTRUCTURE FUND
In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Houston Stronger played a pivotal role in advocating for the establishment of the Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) during the 2019 legislative session. The aim was to address the pressing need for effective flood relief measures and safeguarding against future severe weather events throughout Texas. To date, the greater Houston region has received over $159 million from the initial $793 million FIF allocation, accounting for 20% of the original funding devoted to flood mitigation initiatives.
At the end of last year, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), responsible for overseeing the FIF, indicated that the fund was oversubscribed and nearing depletion. Recognizing the urgency, Houston Stronger made it a priority during this legislative session to replenish the FIF.
This session, the Texas Legislature allocated over $1.3 billion for flood prevention and resilience endeavors. Notably, the FIF received nearly $625 million in one-time general revenue funds through Senate Bill 30, marking a significant departure from its initial funding mechanism, which relied on a one-time infusion from the Economic Stabilization Fund.
Furthermore, House Bill 1 furnished over $70 million to the Texas Water Development Board, enabling them to expand their staff and effectively implement the substantial investment in the FIF. An additional $50 million was earmarked in House Bill 1 for the Lake Houston Dam Improvement Project, a crucial undertaking for flood prevention in the region. This project will enhance the dam’s capacity to swiftly lower lake levels in anticipation of floods, while also extending its operational lifespan. $500 million is also slated for the Gulf Coast Protection District, the local sponsor of the Coastal Texas Program (colloquially known as the “Ike Dike” or “Coastal Barrier”).
A shout-out to our Houston Stronger team in Austin that included Jeri Brooks, Alex Hammond, Kristen Hogan, Amber Burton; and support from Chase Kronzer of the American Flood Coalition, Coalter Baker with the Greater Houston Partnership, and Sarah Kirkle and the Texas Water Infrastructure Coalition; along with support from Houston Stronger Chairman Alan Steinberg. Thanks to all who answered the “Call to Action” with emails and phone calls when needed. The true strength of our organization lies in our members and their actions when critical issues arise.
Houston Stronger will continue to advocate for increased investment in resiliency projects aimed at fortifying Houston’s ability to withstand future flood challenges.
Houston Stronger is a coalition formed after Hurricane Harvey and comprised of civic groups, business associations and active citizens from throughout the Texas Gulf Coast region dedicated to working with local, state, and federal officials to implement a comprehensive regional flood and storm resiliency plan to safeguard our citizens and property.