At a June 28 meeting, the Houston City Council approved an ordinance to add funding to ongoing flood-control efforts. Council members voted to approve the city entering into a second contract with HDR Engineering, Inc., a nationwide engineering firm that works toward construction and environmental goals.

The overview

The council agreed to allocate $7.5 million in funds out of the city's dedicated drainage and street renewal capital fund to be awarded to HDR Engineering. With the $7.5 million allocation, the city will also increase the overall contract amount from $2.6 million to $12.1 million, allowing for more services to be provided.

Who it's for

The North Canal High Flow Diversion Channel project is a drainage project in and around downtown Houston at the confluence of White Oak and Buffalo bayous. It includes three main elements:

• North Canal channel diversion
• South Canal channel diversion and detention
• Street bridge improvements and associated channel improvements at Yale Street and Heights Boulevard

Sorting out the details

• The original contract was awarded on May 19, 2021, for $1.7 million.
• On Dec. 7, 2022, the council increased the funding for the contract to $2.6 million to complete Phase 2.
• According to city information, construction on the diversion channels requires the acquisition of the property and the construction of a railroad bridge. A downstream easement will also be required to ensure the functionality of both the North and South Canal diversion channels.

The bottom line

This funding will allow for the design of the project to be refined, get public engagement and secure the final construction plan. The North Canal project is expected to be complete in early 2029.