Here are seven project updates to know.
COMPLETED PROJECTS
Willow Waterhole Bayou detention: Construction on a stormwater detention basin at Willow Waterhole Bayou upstream of South Post Oak Road was substantially completed in November, according to the Harris County Flood Control District. The basin can contain about 17.6 acre-feet, or almost 5.7 million gallons. Timeline: June-November
Cost: $1.3 million
Funding source: Harris County Flood Control District
South Braeswood Boulevard basins: Construction on a series of three basins at South Braeswood Boulevard and West Loop 610 was substantially complete as of early November. The project consists of 37 acre-feet of basins capable of holding more than 12 million gallons of stormwater, as well as new trees to replace those affected by construction.
Timeline: January-November
Cost: $1.6 million
Funding source: HCFCD
PROPOSED PROJECTS
Meyergrove detention basin: A project to turn the former Meyergrove Apartment property at North Braeswood and Loop 610 into a 21 million-gallon detention basin remains in the design phase, though construction is expected to begin early next year. The site will include three interconnected wet-bottom basins with new drainage pipes to transfer overflow. The HCFCD purchased the 7.7-acre site in October 2019 for $14.3 million and is seeking federal support for construction.
Timeline: early 2021-fall 2021
Cost: $2.2 million (estimated)
Funding sources: HCFCD, U.S. Economic Development Administration grant
Spellman detention basin: A new 208-acre-foot detention basin project in the Westbury neighborhood at the 6400 block of West Bellfort Avenue has been approved, and construction is slated to begin in the middle of 2021, according to Houston Public Works. On Sept. 2, Houston City Council approved $1.4 million to purchase the site.
Timeline: summer 2021-spring 2022
Cost: $9 million
Funding sources: Community Development Block Grant, city of Houston
Willow Waterhole expansion: The city of Houston, the HCFCD, the Willow Waterhole Conservancy and the Friends of Levitt Houston continue to work on plans for stormwater detention and recreation facilities at the former Shell Oil Co. site. Houston City Council approved the $3.4 million land purchase in October 2019.
Timeline: TBD
Cost: TBD
Funding source: TBD
Westbury apartment acquisition: Houston City Council on Nov. 18 approved purchasing the Spring Village Apartments community at 11810 Chimney Rock Road, which will be demolished to make way for 6 acres of new drainage facilities or green space. The Houston Housing and Community Development Department will facilitate the relocation of tenants. The apartments house 132 units, according to property listings.
Timeline: TBD
Cost: $11.5 million (design/construction TBD)
Funding source: CDBG
Southside Place drainage: The city of Southside Place is seeking additional federal grant funding from the General Land Office to move forward on a project to construct new underground stormwater drains below Auden Street between University and Bellaire boulevards. Harris County approved $1.5 million in grant funding this summer.
Timeline: 2021-TBD
Cost: $5.35 million
Funding source: CDBG
