Montgomery County receives $60M for San Jacinto River watershed flood mitigation efforts

The Texas General Land Office announced that $60.37 million in funding had been awarded for drainage improvements across the San Jacinto River watershed during the March 4 Montgomery County Commissioners Court meeting.

Two-minute impact

According to a presentation by Regina Recinos, the GLO's government and community relations specialist, the funding was awarded to address flood mitigation efforts in three major areas of the San Jacinto River watershed, including:

• Stewart Creek: $15 million
• Lake Creek: $8.99 million
• East Montgomery County: $36.38 million

The East Montgomery County portion of the GLO funding will be spread across portions of Caney Creek, Peach Creek, White Oak Creek and the East Fork of the San Jacinto River, Recinos said. According to the county's application, which was filed in 2022, the funding will be used to remove obstructions, clean tributaries and repair eroding creek beds and stream banks.

The impact

Recinos said the county became eligible following a number of severe weather events across the county following the application in 2022. A total of 38 presidential disaster declarations have been issued for Montgomery County, including:

• 11 tropical storms
• Eight fires
• Eight floods
• Five severe storms
• Two severe ice storms

The projects will be funded on a reimbursement basis, meaning the county will expend funds and then be reimbursed by the GLO for the work done, county officials said.

In their words

• "This is a game changer for Montgomery County and for Precinct 4," Precinct 4 Commissioner Matt Gray said. "This is really going to open up some waterways that have historically caused a lot of backup over in my precinct anyway, so to say I'm excited is an understatement."
• "We've got some [drainage] stuff in Precinct 2 that's just about to take some roads out, so this is perfect timing," Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley said.
• "These funds are more than an investment in infrastructure—they are an investment in the well-being and security of our residents," GLO Commissioner Dawn Buckingham said in a March 4 news release. "By working closely with local leaders, we are turning these funds into meaningful projects that will safeguard homes, businesses and lives for generations to come. Together, we are strengthening the foundation of Texas, ensuring we are better prepared for whatever challenges the future may bring."