Editor's Note:

In this special publication, we feature a piece from Commissioner Briones regarding the Harris County Flood Control District’s Proposition, currently under consideration by voters. The article provides important insights into the goals and potential impact of the proposition, with a focus on informing and educating the public. It is our aim to present this information in an objective and clear manner, ensuring our readers have the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. This publication is strictly for informational purposes and does not endorse any particular viewpoint or outcome.

  

In Harris County, time is marked not only in years, but also by the storms that have left lasting impacts. Since 2007, we've faced hurricanes Ike, Harvey, and Beryl, as well as tropical storms like Imelda, and floods that occurred on Memorial Day, Tax Day, and even Halloween.

In August 2017, during Hurricane Harvey, I was nine months pregnant with my youngest daughter. Surrounded by severe flooding and destruction, I feared I would not make it to a hospital safely. Even today, as my daughters grow up, they still feel uneasy during heavy rains. This lingering anxiety reflects a broader concern in Harris County, where flooding is frequent and devastating, and affects our community's sense of security.

This November, Harris County voters will consider Proposition A, which relates to the maintenance of flood control infrastructure. If passed, it would allocate $100 million to the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) for flood mitigation efforts. These funds would be specifically designated for infrastructure maintenance, ensuring that resources are used transparently and accountably.

Since 2018, HCFCD has invested more than $5.2 billion in flood control projects designed to protect lives and property. Recent improvements, like those along Brays Bayou, played a key role in preventing flooding during Hurricane Beryl, demonstrating the positive impact of the District's ongoing efforts. While we continue delivering new improvements, we are also tasked with maintaining current flood-prevention assets. Just like our homes and vehicles require regular upkeep, so too does flood control infrastructure. If approved by the voters, Proposition A would support the ongoing maintenance of our infrastructure investments, shortening the asset replacement life cycle by about 200 years.

Demands on HCFCD’s existing infrastructure continue to rise. Since 2000, our flood control assets have doubled, and more than 1.3 million new residents have moved to Harris County. Despite these increased demands, funding for maintenance has remained flat since 2000. If passed, Proposition A would provide additional funding to accelerate repairs, including sediment removal, erosion control, and concrete repairs. These efforts play a key role in maintaining clear channels, reducing floodwaters, and safeguarding homes and businesses across the region.

Investing in resilient infrastructure is key to managing Harris County’s growth, preparing for future weather events, and better protecting our families. Proposition A, if approved by voters, would support proactive maintenance programs that address community concerns and potential issues before they escalate. The proposed property tax increase for the average Harris County home would be around $60 per year. While the immediate impact of flooding might not be felt by every household, the entire region benefits from a well-maintained flood control system.

As we face the reality of more frequent and severe weather events, it’s crucial to consider the long-term needs of our community so that we may ensure our infrastructure remains strong for generations to come