Flood meeting a success - Southbelt Area residents get behind Corps' plan
More than 100 concerned residents attended the Clear Creek drainage improvement meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 21. The discussion included representatives from both the Harris County Flood Control District and the Army Corps of Engineers.
Although many in attendance were concerned about their specific needs, the main topic for the evening was the corps' long-range plan to construct a local watershed, an area where all water running off the land drains to a specific location. The proposal, referred to as the National Economic Development (NED) Alternative, would require that all in the area (17 cities and four counties) agree on the project. For the most part, those at the meeting were overwhelmingly in favor of the plan.
The project would include major improvements to both Mud Gully and Turkey Creek.
Mud Gully, located between Sagedowne and Astoria, would be expanded to 45 feet in bottom width and be lined with concrete. Additionally, its offline detention center would be increased in size to 1,550 acre-feet.
Turkey Creek, which runs from Dixie Farm Road to Clear Creek, would also be increased in size. Its bottom width would be increased to 20 to 25 feet, and its length would be increased to 2.5 miles.
The proposed changes, officials said, would save the area millions of dollars over time. Such changes, however, would require large amounts of capital.
Despite limited funding from Harris, Galveston and Brazoria counties, such an undertaking would require substantial federal support.
Rep. Nick Lampson, who was in attendance at the meeting, said he intended to assist in this matter.
Regardless of funding concerns, officials said 2010 would be the earliest construction would begin on the NED plan.
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