A version of an abandoned plan for a levee on Cypress Creek dating back to the 1940s could be the basis for flood prevention in northwest Harris County, according to U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul.

Speaking to the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce at a luncheon Tuesday afternoon, McCaul said Harris County officials are working on preventative measures for future flooding after Hurricane Harvey.

He said the levee plan would help flood prevention for the Greater Houston area as well, by alleviating pressure on the existing Addicks and Barker reservoirs, which reached capacity during Harvey. Officials did not follow through on the 1940s plan, which was put forth by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, because other flood mitigation projects were prioritized for funding.

“I’m proud to say we have that plan and that we’re moving forward with this project,” McCaul said. “We have passed two supplementals onto Congress for disaster relief funding to make sure that that is replenished as well as community development block grants to help people get on their feet.”

McCaul said he and other Texas state representatives are working to solve the problem.

“We’ve tried to make this the number one priority in the state of Texas,” he said.