County studying flood mitigation efforts The Timarron subdivision was one of many submerged areas of Montgomery County after the Memorial Day flood.[/caption]

What we reported After historic rainfalls saturated Southeast Texas twice last spring, Montgomery County was left with extensive water damage to infrastructure, buildings, homes and natural areas. Some of the most affected areas included the Timber Lakes/Timber Ridge subdivision just south of The Woodlands and the Spring Creek Greenway. In response, The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency planned to conduct a drainage study in pursuit of possible improvement projects.

The latest Several months after flooding occurred in Montgomery County in April and May, the Texas Water Development Board awarded a $460,000 grant in October to help fund a countywide flood mitigation study. The request was submitted by the San Jacinto River Authority and will fund half of Phase 1, which covers the Lake Conroe watershed and upper West Fork of the San Jacinto River, including Alligator Creek.

What’s next Work on the countywide flood mitigation study will begin no later than Jan. 25 and must be completed by June 30, 2018, according to grant requirements. Upon completion, the study will identify structural and nonstructural flood damage reduction projects along with the development of a Comprehensive Flood Protection Plan.

This story is one update from The January Issue. View the full list of  10 things to look for in 2017 here.