The details
The Mercer Stormwater Detention Basin is located north of FM 1960, east of the Hardy Toll Road, south of Cypress Creek and west of the Memorial Hills subdivision.
According to HCFCD officials, the project will consist of two compartments—north and south—with an equalizer pipe connecting the two compartments. An outfall pipe will also be constructed along the north compartment to allow stormwater to flow directly into Cypress Creek.
Officials noted approximately 512 acre-feet of soil and other materials will be excavated from the site as part of the project.
The impact
Upon completion, the dry-bottom stormwater detention basin is expected to provide approximately 166.8 million gallons of stormwater storage during heavy rainfall events, HCFCD officials said.
Project funding
Located in the Cypress Creek watershed, the $14.8 million Mercer Stormwater Detention Basin is funded by:
- A $15.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program
- A $9.7 million local contribution from HCFCD's $2.5 billion bond program approved by voters in 2018
HCFCD officials said the contractor is planning to access the work area via FM 1960 or Lazy Ravine Lane in the Memorial Hills subdivision.
Heavy construction equipment, such as dump trucks, excavators and bulldozers, may be used throughout construction, and motorists are urged to be alert to truck traffic when passing near construction access points and along truck routes.
According to the Dec. 15 email, the duration of the construction contract is 348 calendar days.
