Primary Department: Flood Control District
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Tina Petersen, Ph.D., P.E., Executive Director
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official: N/A
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Grant - Application
Project ID (if applicable): G103-38-00-E01
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Texas Water Development Board
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): HCFCD, HCTRA, HHS
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request by the Flood Control District for approval to submit an application to the Texas Water Development Board for grant funds in the amount of $5,000,000, with no required match, for the Kingwood Diversion Ditch Improvements (San Jacinto River Watershed, Bond ID F-14, Project ID G103-38-00-E001, Precinct 3).
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Background and Discussion:
It is recommended that the Flood Control District be authorized to apply for grant award funds from the TWDB to fund the Kingwood Diversion Ditch Improvements in the San Jacinto River Watershed. The 89th Texas Legislature allocated funds for this project in Senate Bill 1 to the Harris County Flood Control District. Senate Bill 1 was signed by the Governor on June 22, 2025, and will be effective on September 1, 2025. This allocation from the Texas Legislature is being obtained through the Texas Water Development Board. These grant funds were secured by Representative Charles Cunningham, HD127.
Expected Impact:
This grant would fund an initial phase of construction, to be determined in design. Once fully constructed, the recommended alternative is expected to reduce the risk of flooding in the area and provide a reduction in peak water surface elevation along both Bens Branch and the Kingwood Diversion Ditch during heavy rain events. The proposed natural stable channel design features are expected to have lower maintenance costs over the long term and provide for an increase in wildlife habitat, improved erosion resistance, and improved filtration of suspended solids. The Flood Control District will utilize its resources and applicable consultants during the design and construction phases of the project, as well as the management of the grant approval process in compliance with Harris County statutes, applicable laws of the state of Texas, and Policy regarding Federal Grant Awards.
Alternative Options:
The alternative is to not apply for the grant funding, wherein existing flooding risks remain in place, or the project will need to be entirely funded with local funding.
County Strategic Plan Goal: 2. Connect our community with safe, reliable, equitably distributed, and well-maintained infrastructure.
County Strategic Plan Objective: H: Improve the condition and resilience of County transportation, flood control, and other infrastructure.
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): N/A
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): N/A
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): N/A
Health Initiative (Goal 4): N/A
Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): N/A
Housing Initiative (Goal 6): N/A
Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan: This action is consistent with the Strategic Plan overarching goals of reducing the number of structures at risk of flooding and improving the quality of life of Harris County residents.
Prior Court Action (if any):
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Location: The project area is in the northeastern part of Harris County bordering Montgomery County within Precinct 3. The study area for the project encompasses the sub-watershed of both Bens Branch (Unit G103-33-00)
and the Kingwood Diversion Ditch (Unit G103-38-00) from their confluence to their respective outfalls at West Fork San Jacinto River.
Address (if applicable):
Precinct(s): Precinct 3
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Anticipated Court Date: 10/16/2025
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): Click or tap to enter a date.
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or ARPA related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Yesenia Martinez, Commissioners Court Coordinator, Flood Control District
Attachments (if applicable): Order, Draft Application, Map, and Resolutions