BY MELISSA ENAJE
Going forward
The context
Poor Farm Ditch
Project scope: increase stormwater capacity to keep flood waters at bay Status: in design phase Cost: $31.3 million Funding sources: cities of West University, Southside Place; Harris County Flood Control District; federal funding
Poor Farm Ditch
West U and Bellaire have recently invested in flood mitigation projects to reduce the chance of flooding that might cause higher flood insurance rates, including the Cypress Ditch project in Bel- laire and the Poor Farm Ditch project in West U. “Drainage and disasters are things that don’t stop at the city limits,” Tanner said. “They affect everybody and everything. But we’re doing every- thing we can within our city limits and then some to try to mitigate that. It’s a big priority in Bellaire.” Construction on the Cypress Ditch improvement project is anticipated to begin in the fall and last for two years, according to project documents. Meanwhile, Poor Farm Ditch in the Brays Bayou watershed is being rehabilitated by the Harris County Flood Control District to address the integ- rity of its concrete channel lining. As of a June 9 city announcement, HCFCD and its contractors continued maintenance improvements between University Boulevard and Bissonnet Street.
FEMA recently postponed the release of new flood maps from spring 2025 to early 2026. However, homeowners can still use free online tools at www.floodsmart.gov to find flood insurance, to see if they qualify for a policy price reduction and to find their area risk levels. Homeowners can also explore other ways to cut insurance costs, according to finance experts.
HOLCOMBE BLVD.
N. BRAESWOOD BLVD.
N
BRAYS BAYOU
Cypress Ditch
What homeowners should know
Project scope: increase channel capacity and construct new surface detention Status: construction to start by fall 2025 Cost: $110 million Funding sources: city of Bellaire; Harris County Flood Control District; federal funding
Invest in flood mitigation measures, including improving drainage around property, installing flood barriers or waterproofing systems. Shop around for insurance and compare quotes from multiple providers. Look for bundling discounts. Maintain your home and update older plumbing and electrical systems, which could improve a home’s resilience to weather events.
610
Cypress Ditch
BEECHNUT S
BRAYS BAYOU
N
SOURCES: BELLAIRE, WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: ZACK LIU, UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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