The state’s flood plan shows which Texans are most at risk of flooding and suggests billions of dollars more are needed for flood mitigation projects.
A pickup pushes through flood waters in Livingston on May 2, 2024. Thousands fled their Southeast Texas homes as heavy rains saturated multiple counties., The Texas Tribune’s daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.
Local water managers filled the gaps with their knowledge and the TWDB contracted flood risk modeling data company Fathom to help. Texas has a long history of flooding, and Harvey, a Category 4 hurricane that dumped more than 50 inches of rain in parts of the Houston area over four days, was the wettest tropical cyclone in U.S. history and caused nearly $125 billion in damages. More recently, back-to-back, heavy spring rains causedMore than 2.4 million people live or work in a 100-year floodplain — areas that have a 1% chance of flooding each year — according to the draft state flood plan. Another 2.
Kirkle said the state doesn’t have a reliable source of revenue for flood projects unless state lawmakers approve additional funding each legislative session.TWDB is also asking lawmakers to implement a flood early warning system across the state, which they believe will help alert residents when to evacuate using social media, radio, and reverse 911 calls.
Because money is limited for flood projects, the regional groups recommended that the state give counties the authority to collect drainage fees in unincorporated areas — currently only cities can charge such fees. The regional groups argue this would help counties self-finance flood mitigation and drainage projects outside of city limits.
Environment Health Care State Government Events Hurricanes Hurricane Harvey Mental Health Texas Legislature
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Texas Emergency Management officials reminding Texans to report storm damageTexans impacted by recent severe weather and flooding can report property damage online through the iSTAT tool to help determine eligibility for disaster assistance.
Read more »
Texas Lyceum poll shows Texans increasing negative on cost of housing, economyTexas Lyceum poll: 63% say housing costs too much; Texans increasingly pessimistic on state economy vs. U.S., a shift from pre-2020 optimism.
Read more »
No. 24 Texas Longhorns Squaring Off Against Texas Tech: Live Game UpdatesThe Longhorns look to open the Big 12 Championship with a win over the Red Raiders.
Read more »
Notebook: No. 24 Texas Longhorns' Bats Go Cold in 6-4 Texas Tech LossThe Longhorns struggled at the plate in a disappointing loss to open the Big 12 Championship.
Read more »
Texas vs. Texas A&M softball FREE stream: How to watch Super Regionals Game 1 todayHere's everything you need to know to watch the NCAA softball Super Regionals Game 1 between Texas and Texas A&M today.
Read more »
Texas Game Wardens urge caution on North Texas lakes this holiday weekendThe Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is reminding North Texans to be safe and vigilant on area lakes this Memorial Day weekend.
Read more »