Legislation Details

File #: 26-4400    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Negotiation Status: Passed
File created: 6/25/2026 In control: Commissioners Court
On agenda: 7/9/2026 Final action: 7/9/2026
Title: Request for approval to negotiate an interlocal agreement with the University of Houston to provide a countywide soils management study, focusing on establishment of soil microbiology (Countywide).

Primary Department: Flood Control District

Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Marcus Y. Stuckett, P.E., CFM, Executive Director

 

Secondary Department: N/A

Secondary Department Head/Elected Official: N/A

 

Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA

Type of Request: Negotiation

 

Project ID (if applicable): N/A

Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): University of Houston

 

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): N/A - Not a grant item

 

Request Summary (Agenda Caption):

title

Request for approval to negotiate an interlocal agreement with the University of Houston to provide a countywide soils management study, focusing on establishment of soil microbiology (Countywide).

end

 

Background and Discussion:

This is a request to authorize negotiation for an agreement that will provide a countywide study of soil microbiology, including sampling, analyses, and interpretation of results, to establish soils development and management protocols to be used in revegetation of flood control properties post-construction.

 

Expected Impact:

Soil microbial communities promote plant growth and improve soil properties. Heavily disturbed sites generally have reduced microbial communities, both in terms of microbial abundance and diversity, that are unable to provide desired ecosystem services. Microbial communities and their functions can be restored by modifying site conditions and/or adding microbial amendments. Our long-term goal is to identify soil microbial communities that support native plant growth and develop methods to encourage soil microbial community restoration.

 

Alternative Options:

The alternative to approving this item would be to revegetate Flood Control District properties with native plants using trial-error methods with uncertain success, which would result in higher cost of trials, unpredictable outcomes, and potential failure of revegetation efforts that could put assets at risk.

 

County Strategic Plan Goal:  2. Connect our community with safe, reliable, equitably distributed, and well-maintained infrastructure.

County Strategic Plan Objective: I: Increase access to safe, clean, and enjoyable green space.

Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1):  N/A

Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2):  I4: Encourage the growth of natural habitats in County channels and improve cleanliness of green spaces while reducing debris and enhancing beautification.

Economy Initiative (Goal 3): N/A

Health Initiative (Goal 4): N/A

Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): R2: Pilot conservation-focused maintenance and green infrastructure for cost savings and environmental benefits.

Housing Initiative (Goal 6): N/A

 

Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan: N/A

 

Prior Court Action (if any): N/A

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Precinct(s): Countywide

 

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County Attorney’s Office Legal Review (for Harris County Code Items only)

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CAO Review Completion Date

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Anticipated Court Date: 7/9/2026

Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): Click or tap to enter a date.

 

Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or COVID-19 related item

 

Contact(s) name, title, department: Yesenia Martinez, Commissioners Court Coordinator, Flood Control District

 

Attachments (if applicable): N/A