Harris County Flood Control District director resigns amid new project plans, deadlines

A total of 28 projects were set to be funded through Community Development Block Grants, with 11 projects falling under disaster recovery and 17 under flood mitigation.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development granted Harris County $322 million for disaster recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, which was dispersed by the GLO. Harris County also received $750 million for flood mitigation projects that officials then split to allocate $203 million to Housing & Community Development, leaving approximately $546 million for the flood control district.

HCFCD is required to spend all CDBG-DR funding by February 2027 and CDBG-MIT funding by March 2028, according to the district’s website.

How it works

HCFCD Assistant Director of Operations Scott Elmer said the new plan with the GLO involved getting all 11 disaster recovery projects through the current project status by the February 2027 deadline, and then rolling over the remaining phases of the projects into the flood mitigation project deadline in March 2028.

Elmer said the district would also look to invest in the number of workers on certain projects in order to aid with quicker completion.

The projects being moved to completion and funding under the flood mitigation deadline include:

• Isom Stormwater Detention Basin: $6.94 million
• Dinner Creek Stormwater Detention Basin, Phase 1: $39.68 million
• Genoa Red Bluff Regional Stormwater Detention Basin: $3.47 million
• Greens Bayou Mid-Reach Channel Conveyance Improvements: $6.37 million
• Kluge Stormwater Detention Basin, Phase 3: $3.18 million

However, Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey voiced continued concerns regarding the effectiveness of the flood control district to complete projects tied to federal funding.

"I will tell you that the framework of this plan was put together four months ago, and to have it come this late is a discouragement to me, is a concern to me," Ramsey said. "We got to have leadership that the GLO can trust. We have to have leadership that can deliver on these items ... I helped come up with a plan. So I support this plan. I wish it had come earlier."

However, Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia expressed satisfaction with the work put in by Petersen and the district despite numerous changes and approaching deadlines.

"Ultimately, the goal here is 'Let's get the money spent so none of it has to go back,' and the plan that you have laid forward gives us a pathway to accomplishing that," Garcia said. "That's what we want, and ultimately, that's what the residents of my precinct and I believe in Harris County want to see done. They want to see these projects done, they want to see them completed, and we have to make sure to allow you the space to create that plan and that pathway forward."

What's next?

While commissioners agreed to move forward with the project plans in partnership with the GLO, they will first need to find a replacement for Petersen after her resignation.

According to the Office of County Administration, commissioners will consider next steps for the position at the June 25 meeting while the OCA manages the department in the interim.

"During this transition, the Office of County Administration will work closely with Flood Control District leadership to support ongoing operations and ensure continued progress on high-priority infrastructure and flood mitigation projects."

Several members of the court commented on Petersen's departure following the announcement:

• "I am grateful for the deep expertise, professionalism, and spirit of collaboration that have defined her tenure," Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said. "Thanks to her leadership, we have more flood control projects moving forward than at any time in Harris County history and have made unprecedented investments in maintenance. We are moving with urgency to deliver key projects in collaboration with our partners at the state and federal levels."
• “It’s always difficult to make personnel changes, especially at the highest levels of county government. We’re making a bet that a change in leadership will result in clearer communication with both Commissioners Court and the residents, but this is a necessary step for us to be able to get these projects back on track," Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said. "This was not an easy process, but I believe it is the right decision. I look forward to appointing Dr. Petersen’s successor at the next business court."