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Buffalo Bayou & Lower White Oak Bayou Federal Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Study
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the study?
The purpose of this study is to investigate flood damage reduction and ecosystem restoration opportunities in the study area and to identify a plan that has public support and is competitive for federal funding.
What are the boundaries for the study?
The study area is the Buffalo Bayou and lower White Oak Bayou watersheds. That includes Buffalo Bayou from Barker Reservoir eastward through downtown Houston to the Houston Ship Channel Turning Basin. Additionally, the study area extends along White Oak Bayou north and west from downtown Houston to Loop 610.
Who is conducting this study?
The Harris County Flood Control District is conducting this study in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
How long will the study take?
The study is expected to last 7 years, until around 2012. The District is following the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers federal process for a 211(f) study, which involves significant engineering, economic and environmental analyses. The study is currently in the first phase where current conditions are analyzed by collecting engineering, economic, and environmental data to determine the existing conditions for the study area. The next phase of the study will focus on formulating, evaluating, and selecting a plan and will last approximately two to four years.
What is Section 211(f)?
Section 211(f) refers to a section within the Water Resources Development Act of 1996. This legislation enables the District to take the lead on the planning, design, and construction of specific flood damage reduction projects in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
What are the benefits of managing this study as a local sponsor?
Taking the lead in a federal study and project enables the District to: 1) Use the knowledge and experience gained from being a local agency and building and maintaining projects in Harris County since the District's creation in 1937; 2) Initiate construction sooner if local funding is available and permits are obtained; 3) Be more aware and response to local issues and concerns regarding the study because the District is a local agency. Additionally, more federal studies can occur simultaneously in Harris County since both the Corps of Engineers and District can take the lead on these studies.
What results or expectations do you have about the study?
Initial investigations have identified problems relating to flood damages and degraded environmental habitats in the study area. Partnering with the USACE will allow HCFCD to determine if there is an acceptable plan that we can cost share the construction of with the federal government.
How does the City of Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 19 affect this study?
The City of Houston regularly reviews and updates their ordinances. Chapter 19 does not impact how structures are valued in the study economic models. The study's economic models determine structural values regardless of their location relative to the floodplain or floodway. The District regularly coordinates with the City on studies and projects and will continue to do so in the future.
What is the potential for this study to reduce the floodway along White Oak Bayou?
While reduction of the floodway is not a goal of this study, there is the potential for the floodway to be reduced if a project is identified and constructed.
How can I impact this study?
Your input is important to us. Two public meetings were held on November 7 and November 13, 2007 to introduce the public to the study and to obtain input. Additional comments and questions can be provided to the study manager via E-Mail or by writing to:
Harris County Flood Control District
ATTN: Buffalo and Lower White Oak Federal Study
9900 Northwest Freeway
Houston, TX 77092
> See frequent comments received during the public scoping period
> Submit comments to the District
You may also call the Harris County Flood Control District at 713-684-4040 or contact us by mail at 9900 Northwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77092.
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Buffalo Bayou & Lower White Oak Bayou Federal Flood Damage Reduction and Ecosystem Restoration Study
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