Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush announced the Texas General Land Office (GLO) approved $179 million in flood mitigation projects for multiple cities in Galveston County. These drainage and wastewater infrastructure projects will directly benefit more than 123,000 residents in majority low-to-moderate income (LMI) areas that have faced repetitive storm damage in 2015 and in 2017 with Hurricane Harvey.
Texas City has experienced both storm surge and torrential rains from hurricanes, and tropical storms over the years. During Hurricane Harvey alone, it received over 28 inches of rain and the combination of surge and rainfall almost overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure, resulting in significant flooding, causing significant damage of housing stock, as well as, unsafe and unsanitary environmental conditions. All project improvements will increase the resiliency and functionality of the drainage systems in Texas City.
Citywide Drainage Improvements Project – $14,965,447.
The drainage improvement project encompasses the following components:
1) Increase pumping capacity at two rainwater pump stations for discharging rainwater runoff out of the most concentrated population in the city and increasing safety for residents.
2) Construct a concrete liner and reconstruct the drainage ditch at 34th Street to improve conveyance.
3) Reconstruct undersized storm sewer in the 7th Street area which outfalls into the 34th Street Ditch. All improvements are components of the larger city drainage system, and the addition of these facilities will increase the capacity to respond to major rain events.
“Texas City often bears the brunt of hurricanes and major storms, which frequently overwhelm our drainage and wastewater infrastructure, resulting in flooding, danger to the public, and destruction or loss of property,” said Dedrick Johnson, Mayor of Texas City, TX. “The significant funding awarded today will help increase and maximize the productivity of our infrastructure and drainage system, protect the health, wellness and safety of so many in our communities – it’s truly going to improve the quality of life for our citizens. We sincerely thank Commissioner George P. Bush and the Texas GLO for supporting these pivotal projects and working with us to fortify our county against the next big storm.”
