Newly created special district to provide ongoing dredging efforts in Lake Houston

After Hurricane Harvey caused massive flooding in the area in 2017, local, state and federal agencies have contributed roughly $222 million to remove more than 4 million cubic yards of sand and sediment from Lake Houston and its tributaries.

While the remainder of that funding will soon run out, Cunningham said the district will now continue those efforts to provide long-term flood mitigation.

“I have been a resident for decades and we have faced long, ongoing struggles with flooding,” Cunningham said in an emailed statement. “The dredging district means now we have a plan for moving forward.”

A closer look

Cunningham said the bill includes an initial $50 million in funding for the district, noting the funds will be paid out in two $25 million installments in 2025 and 2026.

Houston District E council member Fred Flickinger, whose district includes the Kingwood and Atascocita area, said prior dredging efforts helped prevent several homes from flooding after more than 18 inches of rain was dumped into areas leading into Lake Houston in May 2024.

“We literally had water up to a number of doorsteps,” Flickinger said. “It would have been a problem for a lot of people.”

Additionally, Flickinger said he believes the creation of the district will reduce the overall cost of dredging operations.

“A significant part of the cost is the mobilization—getting the equipment out there and then removing the equipment,” he said. “With this, it will be permanent."

Flickinger commended Cunningham’s effort for continuing to fight for the district after previous bills failed during the 2021 and 2023 legislative sessions.

“Rep. Cunningham deserves the vast majority of credit,” Flickinger said. “This is a huge deal.”

What’s next

According to the bill, Harris County and city of Houston officials will appoint three members each to serve on the district’s board of directors. The city and county will then need to agree on the appointment of the seventh member. Board members will serve staggered, four-year terms.