Overview / Study Description
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District (Corps) is conducting a study to evaluate alternatives and recommend actions to reduce flood risks along Buffalo Bayou and its tributaries, both upstream and downstream of the Addicks and Barker reservoirs. The study area includes the Buffalo Bayou, Barker Reservoir, Addicks Reservoir, and upper Cypress Creek watersheds. Hurricane Harvey and other recent flood events were catalysts of the study.
The study began in October 2018 and is expected to conclude in late 2021. Harris County Flood Control District is the non-federal sponsor of the study under an agreement signed with the Corps in 2018. The Flood Control District is the non-federal sponsor because it is responsible for the creeks and bayous upstream and downstream of the reservoirs, and therefore has a vested interest in the alternatives that are proposed. Because the Addicks and Barker reservoirs are owned, operated and maintained by the Corps, the Corps is the agency leading the study.
To date, the Flood Control District’s role has been to monitor and provide input on the progress and direction of the study, and to provide technical review and comment when requested. Moving forward, the Flood Control District will help to identify a plan that is consistent with community and natural values. The Flood Control District’s implementation role will be defined as the study is completed and while funding is being sought to construct the recommended project(s).
The Flood Control District does not have funding allocated in its 2018 Bond Program for any project(s) recommended by the study.