The details
The $110 million Cypress Ditch project will work on improving the ditch, which is primarily used for the city’s storm drainage systems. According to a document on the project, the ditch’s capacity is not adequate to support flows from the city’s storm drainage systems, which could lead to Bellaire residents being further at risk during floods.
The project will increase the overall capacity of Cypress Ditch by reconstructing the lined portion of the channel between South Rice Avenue and Brays Bayou as well as improving the natural channel section between Chimney Rock Road and South Rice Avenue, according to the document.
The project will also include the construction of stormwater detention as another way to fight future flooding. According to the Harris County Flood Control District, stormwater detention is a way to store potentially damaging floodwaters temporarily until the channels can safely carry the water away.
In case you missed it
The city recently agreed to a land swap with the city of Houston in May. As part of the agreement, Bellaire received Houston’s 13.15-acre Beechnut Tract for $6.46 million, which will be used to develop several stormwater detention ponds, while Houston received the 76-acre tract of land, referred to as the Ruffino Tract, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
Outside of the $54 million from Texas, Bellaire also received $40 million through a bond passed in November, $15 million from the HCFCD and $1 million from the federal government, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
What they're saying
Bellaire Mayor Gus Pappas said during the conference that this project started after Bellaire faced numerous flooding following extreme weather events such as Hurricane Harvey. He said this project is not only a "worthwhile investment" for the city of Bellaire, but also for the Houston and Harris County region.
"This is not only just a Bellaire project, but a project that will help the entire area," Pappas said. "We all know what happened to Meyerland, we all know what happened to parts of West University, we saw what happened to Southside, we saw what happened all along Brays Bayou to Old Braeswood in those areas. Everything that we do here will help everywhere around. If we can control our water and help reduce and mitigate the effects of flooding in this area, we can help everything around."
State Rep. Ann Johnson, D-Houston, said this project will pay off in the future.
"I am so grateful that everybody saw the value in this project," Johnson said. "The citizens made this happen."
What's next?
City Manager Sharon Citino told Community Impact that Houston has to agree on the land swap deal before Bellaire could start on the project, which they expect to be voted on July 16. Bellaire is currently finalizing designs and funding plans, with the hopes of starting the projects "as soon as possible," Citino said.
