HOUSTON, TEXAS – The Harris County Flood Control District has begun work on a $15.7 million construction project on Phase 1 of the Lauder Stormwater Detention Basin, formally identified as P500-06-00. Construction on the project, which is located along Greens Bayou between Lauder Road and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, began in July.
This project will excavate approximately 966,250 cubic yards of soil from the 91-acre basin site. When complete, the basin will hold approximately 191.74 million gallons, or more than 588.42 acre-feet, of excess stormwater, which will help reduce existing flood levels. Phase 2 of the Lauder Stormwater Detention Basin, currently in the preliminary engineering stage, will provide additional stormwater storage in the area. Once both phases are complete, the basin is expected to hold more than 391 million gallons of excess stormwater that might otherwise flood homes and businesses.
On April 28, 2020, Harris County Commissioners Court awarded a $15.7 million contract to low bidder Serco Construction Group, Ltd. to build the project with construction funding from the 2018 Flood Control District Bond Program. Work is expected to be completed in early 2022.
“I’m so happy to see work moving forward on the Lauder Stormwater Detention basin. East Aldine was one of our hardest hit communities during Harvey, and it’s time that they see some relief,” said Adrian Garcia, Precinct 2 Commissioner. “I’d like to give a special thanks to groups like the East Aldine Management District, the Castlewood Civic Club, and others who have been involved with us every step of the way. Your dedication and advocacy for your community helps guide us to success to better serve you, and for that I’m appreciative.”
The 91-acre site for this project is undeveloped land purchased by the Flood Control District in 2000 as part of a plan to mitigate flood risks in the mid-reaches of Greens Bayou. The mid-reach plan includes construction of four stormwater detention basins, modifications to 33 bridges and conveyance improvements to 11 miles of channel between John F. Kennedy Boulevard and Veterans Memorial Drive. In addition to the Lauder Stormwater Detention Basin, the other three stormwater detention basins, Aldine-Westfield, Kuykendahl and Glen Forest, are under construction.
Construction equipment will access the work area via Lauder Road. The contractor will use heavy construction equipment such as dump trucks, excavators and bulldozers to remove trees, vegetation and excavated soil. Motorists are urged to be alert to truck traffic when passing near the construction access points and along truck routes. There will be truck traffic restrictions on Lauder Road during days Aldine Independent School District is in session.