The big picture
In April, HCFCD released an updated report on the district’s 2018 bond program projects. The district has secured $2.7 billion in partnership funds for the bond projects, and $1.5 billion has been spent so far, according to a May 8 presentation given by Emily Woodell, HCFCD’s chief external affairs officer, during a Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce luncheon held May 8.
“Overwhelmingly, the two pieces of delivering a project that are the most expensive are one, buying more land. ... The second pot that has been the largest is construction,” Woodell said. “Ultimately, the most expensive part of doing a project is building it.”
According to Woodell’s presentation, 200 HCFCD bond projects are active, with:
- 55 in the design phase
- 37 receiving preliminary engineering work
- 34 waiting for right of way/utilities
- 25 under construction
- 23 being initiated
- 16 being assessed for feasibility
- 10 being turned over/started up
About $173.7 million has been spent and $156.6 million remains for HCFCD bond projects in the Cypress Creek watershed, according to Woodell’s May 8 presentation.
According to the presentation, two HCFCD bond projects in Cypress Creek have updates:
1. Mercer Stormwater detention basin
Located south of Cypress Creek, east of the Hardy Toll Road and north of FM 1960, this stormwater detention basin will be able to hold 512 acre-feet of stormwater.
- Update: The project is under construction.
- Timeline: Construction is expected to finish in the third quarter of this year.
- Estimated cost: $14.8 million
- Funding source: 2018 bond funds
This stormwater detention basin will consist of multiple water storage sections that can hold 1,072 acre-feet of stormwater. The basin will be located on the east side of T.C. Jester Boulevard, south of Cypresswood Drive and north of Cypress Creek. Basins for the west side of TC Jester Boulevard are also being planned.
- Update: This project is in the design phase.
- Timeline: Construction is expected to start in the first quarter of 2026.
- Estimated cost: $36.3 million
- Funding source: 2018 bond funds
Woodell said the T.C. Jester basin, specifically, will be “a massive project,” and 1 inch of water in the basin is enough to cover the entire George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
“It is difficult for me to put into words how big this project would be. ... It's an immense amount of water,” Woodell said. “[The basin] is much needed ... so we're really excited to move that project forward.”
The Mercer basin will be large enough to cover NRG Park—including the stadium, Astrodome and grounds—with 1.5 feet of water, according to Woodell’s presentation.
