The board will create a total of 15 groups across the state, each comprising 12 members, for a total of 180 representatives. Nominations for these groups are due by July 2, according to the release.
Specifically, the groups will be formed in regions based on river basin boundaries and require representatives from special categories, including agriculture, industries, flood districts, small businesses, environmental interests and more.
The board will task the groups with developing regional flood plans by January 2023. These plans will culminate into the state's inaugural flood plan in 2024, the release reads.
To come up with a statewide flood plan in "unprecedented," TWDB Flood Planning Director Reem Zoun said. One of the reasons Texas has decided to address flooding from the state level is because the state is so good at water planning, but that does not mean the work will be easy, she said.
"It’s a very ambitious effort," Zoun told Community Impact Newspaper. "It's quite resource intensive."
The state is already aware of certain areas, especially metropolitan areas, that are prone to flooding. But there are several areas where the state is not aware of flood risks, and developing a statewide plan will help identify and address those issues, Zoun said.
The effort is a result of Texas's 2019 legislative session, which included the passage of Senate Bills 6, 7, 8 and 500. SB 6 establishes disaster response and recovery guides on flooding for local officials by 2020; SB 8 requires the state to implement a statewide flood mitigation plan, for which the TWDB is responsible; SB 7 establishes two separate flood funding accounts to provide for SB 6 and SB 8; and SB 500 appropriates funds for Hurricane Harvey repairs, recovery and disaster prevention projects, according to previous reports.
“In 2019, the Texas Legislature enacted sweeping legislation to create a new regional flood planning process to help protect Texas from one of its recurring and most devastating natural disasters,” TWDB Executive Administrator Jeff Walker said in the release. “This groundbreaking flood planning effort will identify specific flood risks as well as strategies to reduce those risks in coming years.”
Those interested in serving on these boards can apply on the TWDB's website. The board will will select members by early fall, the release states.
Members will likely meet monthly to review materials and discuss steps to develop a plan, Zoun said.
