On December 15, 2021, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District (USACE), and the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) are announced a new path forward for the Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study (BBTRS).
Following the release of an Interim Report in October 2020, substantial public comment, and extensive coordination between USACE and HCFCD, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works has approved a schedule extension and budget increase for the study. Additional federal funds, in the amount of $1.8M, paired with engineering technical services to be provided by HCFCD using $3.367M in funds from Harris County Commissioner Precincts 3&4, will allow for further study of alternatives, particularly development of a tunnel alternative for consideration in the study.
The West Houston Association along with Houston Stronger, a coalition of civic groups, business associations and active citizens from throughout the Texas Gulf Coast region dedicated to working with local, state and federal officials to implement a comprehensive regional flood control plan that safeguards our citizens and property, have been encouraging the study of a tunnel alternative. The tunnel is a central part of the Buffalo Bayou Community Plan, along with increasing storage within Barker and Addicks reservoirs and increasing storage in the upper Addicks and upper Cypress Creek watersheds.
With this additional work, a Draft Report is scheduled to be released in the Fall of 2022, and study conclusion in December of 2023.
For more information on the BBTRS please visit: https://www.swg.usace.army.mil/Missions/Projects/BBTRS