C-40 Study of Addicks and Barker Reservoirs

Advisory

Note: Bond ID C-49 has been consolidated with Bond ID C-40.

Project Update - 11/23/2020

The Harris County Flood Control District commends the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for releasing the Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study Interim Feasibility Report for public review and for providing the public additional time to provide comments on the Interim Report. Since the inception of this study, it has been the goal of the Flood Control District to work with the Corps to identify a plan that is consistent with the Flood Control District’s mission of aligning effective projects with community and natural values.

The Flood Control District has shared its comments on the report with the Corps, including high level general observations and detailed comments. Read the Flood Control District’s official comment letter to the Corps.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION 

This study partnership with the Corps of Engineers will evaluate the effectiveness and operation of the Addicks and Barker Reservoirs. This project is being completed at full federal expense and has been combined with Bond ID C-49.

Visit the Corps website to read more about the Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study

Overview / Study Description

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District (Corps) is conducting a study to evaluate alternatives and recommend actions to reduce flood risks along Buffalo Bayou and its tributaries, both upstream and downstream of the Addicks and Barker reservoirs. The study area includes the Buffalo Bayou, Barker Reservoir, Addicks Reservoir, and upper Cypress Creek watersheds. Hurricane Harvey and other recent flood events were catalysts of the study.

The study began in October 2018 and is expected to conclude in late 2021. Harris County Flood Control District is the non-federal sponsor of the study under an agreement signed with the Corps in 2018. The Flood Control District is the non-federal sponsor because it is responsible for the creeks and bayous upstream and downstream of the reservoirs, and therefore has a vested interest in the alternatives that are proposed. Because the Addicks and Barker reservoirs are owned, operated and maintained by the Corps, the Corps is the agency leading the study.

To date, the Flood Control District’s role has been to monitor and provide input on the progress and direction of the study, and to provide technical review and comment when requested. Moving forward, the Flood Control District will help to identify a plan that is consistent with community and natural values. The Flood Control District’s implementation role will be defined as the study is completed and while funding is being sought to construct the recommended project(s).

The Flood Control District does not have funding allocated in its 2018 Bond Program for any project(s) recommended by the study.

October 2020 Status Update

The Corps issued an Interim Report to give the public an opportunity to provide feedback on the alternatives that have been explored to date. The Interim Report does not recommend an alternative. Public input received will inform subsequent analysis to identify a Tentatively Selected Plan. In late October, the Corps extended the end of the comment period to November 20, 2020. 

Alternatives that are currently presented for public comment include: 

•  A new dam and reservoir on upper Cypress Creek; 
• Acquisitions upstream of the Addicks and Barker reservoirs;
• Conveyance improvements to Buffalo Bayou downstream of the Addicks and Barker reservoirs;
• Buyouts downstream of the Addicks and Barker reservoirs;
• Dam safety modification alternatives; and
• Ancillary measures complementing the above alternatives. 

Once the Tentatively Selected Plan is published in 2021, a 45-day public review period, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), will follow. A full study and project schedule are located on the Corps’ website linked below. 

Public Participation

The Flood Control District supports the Corps’ initiative to gather public feedback before making firm decisions and highly encourages public participation in this step.

The report and information regarding virtual public meetings is located on the Corps’ website at: https://www.swg.usace.army.mil/Missions/Projects/BBTRS/

To request a paper copy of the report, send an email to the Corps at BBTRS@usace.army.mil

To submit public comment:
Submit by postal mail, postmarked by November 20, 2020, to:
USACE Galveston District
ATTN: BBTRS
P.O. Box 1229
Galveston, Texas 77553-1229

By email to: BBTRS@usace.army.mil