The joint meeting aims to provide a platform for stakeholders to hear current plans, discuss concerns and contribute to shaping the direction of the city's flood management initiatives, according to a news release.
The impact
"This collaborative effort underscores our commitment to proactive flood mitigation. This town hall is an opportunity for residents and officials to work together towards a [flood]-resilient future," Mayor Susan Sample said in a news release.
The waterway runs from just south of Greenway Plaza to the Brays Bayou through the cities of Houston, West University Place and Southside Place.
Poor Farm Ditch is currently in poor condition, according to the HCFCD's project website, and should failure of the concrete channel lining occur, it could result in property damages to Southside Place and West University Place.
The timeline
The project design is currently completed to 90%, according to the HCFCD's project website. Once design work is completed, it will be followed by a construction bidding process. Once a construction bid is approved, the construction on the ditch could take another 18 months to complete.
Zooming out
In 2023, $32 million in combined local, state and federal funding was secured for Poor Farm Ditch improvements, according to the news release.
- $9.9 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security fiscal year 2023 pre-disaster mitigation grant program
- $16.9 million from the state, an allocation that was included in the recently adopted 2023-25 biannual budget
- $5.7 million from the Harris County Flood Control District
- $150,000 from the city of West University Place
- $150,000 from the city of Southside Place
While the project is managed by HCFCD, City Manager Dave Beach said the city shares opportunities for residents to be involved as a communication liaison.
Joint town hall meeting
- April 18
- 6:30 p.m.
- West University Place City Hall Council Chambers, 3800 University Blvd.
Shawn Arrajj contributed to this report.
