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The city of Bellaire approved two resolutions at a March 2 City Council meeting that will allocate $69 million toward the Regional Drainage Improvement Program.
The drainage program, also known as the Cypress Ditch project, is a mitigation project to reduce flooding in Bellaire during heavy rain events.
What’s new
The first resolution discussed during the council meeting was a $54 million grant agreement from the Texas Water Development Board to the city in support of the drainage project.
City Council had authorized the filing of the application for assistance Nov. 17, and the contribution is included in the fiscal year 2025-2026 adopted budget.
“It’s a best-case scenario where we do get all $54 million put into an escrow account, and we can work with the board and draw down before we have those expenses,” City Engineer Beth Jones said. “It really, truly is the best way you can get $54 million.”
Also on the agenda
Additionally, the second resolution passed during the meeting was an interlocal agreement between Bellaire and the Harris County Flood Control District for a $15 million contribution, as well as 8.1 acres of stormwater detention mitigation.
The district will provide funds from its $2.5 billion 2018 flood damage reduction bond to support the drainage program. However, Bellaire will be responsible for the design and construction of the project, according to a March 2 agenda statement report.
What they’re saying
Now that the city has approved the interlocal agreement, Jones said it will go before the Harris County Commissioners Court on or around March 19.
“You guys have actually executed an interlocal agreement with the [Harris County] Flood Control District faster than almost anyone else in the region, and so it is very impressive to have a team that can work that relationship and does it efficiently,” council member Ross Gordon said.
