Pearland to apply for nearly $100 million in drainage improvement grant

Pearland City Council has approved the submission of a grant application for $99.95 million for Hickory Slough drainage improvements. The application is for the Texas General Land Office's Community Development Block Grant Mitigation Program.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity,” City Engineer Robert Upton said.

The lower and middle segments of Hickory Slough have had a high number of FEMA claims, particularly the areas east of Cullen Boulevard, according to council agenda documents.

If the grant were awarded, the project would be a multiyear effort and would be overseen by the city of Pearland, City Manager Clay Pearson said. This project would also involve a partnership with Brazoria County Drainage District 4, Upton said. The project looks at the city’s master drainage plan and complements the work being done on Clear Creek, Upton said.

Upton and Pearson both said the city has a good chance of being awarded the grant.

“We’re really excited that we have the know how to do this—that we can meet the expectations as set forth by the General Land Office—and we would put our full weight behind trying to gather this grant, as it will benefit our community,” Upton said.

Council voted unanimously to pass the item.

Here is a map of the project area.