The two-phase project—designated as M124 by the HCFCD—seeks to reduce flooding west of Hwy. 249 and south of FM 2920 through the construction of stormwater detention basins along a drainage channel extending to Willow Creek, HCFCD Engineering Division Director Marcus Stuckett said Oct. 7.
“The goal of the project is to reduce flooding risk and improve stormwater conveyance by excavating a wider and deeper channel,” Stuckett said. “Stormwater detention mitigation will be provided for the existing [development] conditions to prevent impacts to Willow Creek.”
The area along FM 2920 between Calvert and Park roads flood often, as there is no place for water on the north side of FM 2920 to go, as Community Impact Newspaper previously reported.
Design for Phase 1 of the M124 project, which spans the area west of Hwy. 249 and north of FM 2920, was completed in October. Construction is expected to begin this winter and wrap up in fall 2021, according to the HCFCD.
Preliminary engineering for Phase 2 of the project began in 2019 and is nearing completion. Stuckett said a final report is expected in November. Phase 2 seeks to deepen drainage channels, construct detention basins and continue improvements south of FM 2920 in partnership with the Texas Department of Transportation to provide water flow to Willow Creek. Construction for Phase 2 is slated for summer 2022.
The $2.5 billion HCFCD bond program, which voters approved in November 2018, allocated $22.1 million in funding from the bond package. $17.1 million has been spent so far, according to HCFCD information.
