4/9/2021
Dear District E Residents,
This week, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas approved a consent decree between the City of Houston, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the State of Texas to improve Houston's wastewater system.
The consent decree will provide an estimated $2 billion of additional work in improvements to upgrade Houston's aging wastewater system and keep up with Houston's rapidly-growing population. The goal of the consent decree is to protect the environment and human health and improve the wastewater system for generations to come.
The consent decree with the EPA is part of a national program to reduce sanitary sewer overflows, which the Clean Water Act prohibits. A sanitary sewer overflow is a backup and discharge of raw wastewater that can contaminate water, cause property damage and threaten public health. The most common causes of sanitary sewer overflows are blockages (caused by grease & wipes), wastewater line breaks, and flooding (stormwater overloads the wastewater system).
Low-income communities with higher numbers of sanitary sewer overflows and aging infrastructure will be among the first priorities under the consent decree. Houston's wastewater system is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the nation, with approximately 6,000 miles of wastewater pipes, 382 lift stations to move waste due to Houston's flat topography, and 39 wastewater treatment plants.
Prior to negotiating the consent decree with the EPA , the City had already made significant improvements to its wastewater system, and reduced sanitary sewer overflows as a result of billions of dollars previously invested. The Greater Houston Wastewater Program, completed in 1997, proactively devoted $2.2 billion to approximately 430 projects involving construction, rehabilitation, and new or upgraded pump stations.
In 2005, the City also entered into an agreement with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to spend an additional $755 million to upgrade, clean and renew millions of additional feet of pipes and infrastructure.
Entry of the consent decree allows the City to formalize and build upon its ongoing work by devoting the necessary funds to continue wastewater assessment and rehabilitation programs over the next 15 years. A rate study being performed will account for any impacts on wastewater rates due to these improvements. This investment enables the City to reduce sanitary sewer overflows, protect public health and the environment, comply with federal and state laws and regulations, and improve the wastewater system for the long term.
The City will also continue its Protect Our Pipes community outreach program to increase awareness on keeping fats, oils, grease, and other items from going down the drain.
For information and resources on Protect Our Pipes, visit: ProtectOurPipes.org
For information on Houston's Consent Decree, visit: publicworks.houstontx.gov/wastewater-CD
The District E Office will be closed in observance of Good Friday, on Friday, April 2, wishing all who celebrate a Happy Easter.
Sincerely,
David P. Martin
SPACE CENTER HOUSTON HONORS BOEING
On March 25, 2021 Space Center Houston recognized Boeing for investing more than $2 million to fund programs that inspire youth to pursue STEM learning and high-tech careers of the future and unveiled new signage recognizing Boeing for its support of the Independence Plaza exhibit complex.
During the event, local female students participating in the Boeing-sponsored Girls STEM Pathway initiative met with leaders in the space industry to chat about their scientific research and experiential, inquiry-based learning experiences. To date, the Girls STEM Pathway has empowered more than 800 girls to learn more about STEM careers through mentorships with Boeing female employees.
HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT PROJECTS STATUS UPDATES
Bens Branch Repair North of Kingwood Drive
HCFCD began repairs on Bens Branch from Rocky Woods Drive down to Kingwood Drive in early January. The purpose of this project is to restore the conveyance of Ben’s Branch. It has been reduced over the years due to erosion and sedimentation.
The project will include implementing erosion repairs, repairing side slope failures, repairing or replacing outfalls, rectifying flow lines, and removing excess sediment. HCFCD expects the project to be completed by early summer this year.
Taylor Gully Cleanout Near Maple Bend Bridge
HCFCD also began a cleanout and repair project on Taylor Gully in January this year. The repairs extend 750 feet upstream and 1500 feet downstream of Maple Bend Bridge in Woodstream.
The purpose of the project is to repair erosion and side-slope failures; repair or replace outfalls; rectify flowlines, and rehabilitate existing backslope swale systems. HCFCD expects to be completed with the project by the end of this April, weather permitting.
Forest Cove Townhomes
On January 9, 2021, Harris County Commissioners Court approved a mandatory acquisition (declared a public necessity) for the 7 remaining townhomes in Forest Cove, and on February 9, they mailed initial offer letters based on the completed appraisals to the owners of these remaining townhomes.
The process moving forward is 30 days after the initial offer letter is sent, a second – and final – offer letter will be sent. For those who do not respond by 60 days after the final offer, their file(s) will be sent to the County Attorney’s office to schedule a hearing with the special commissioners for condemnation.
HCFCD is scheduling demolition as they complete the acquisition of entire building units. In the meantime, Mayor Pro Tem Martin has been working closely with HPD-Kingwood, County Commissioner Precinct 4 Jack Cagle, and Harris County Constable Precinct 4 Mark Herman to increase presence in the area to deter illegal dumping or any other illegal activity.
KELSEY SEYBOLD KINGWOOD RIBBON CUTTING
Monday, March 29, Mayor Pro Tem Martin had the privilege to attend the Kelsey-Seybold ribbon cutting of their new Kingwood clinic location. Mayor Pro Tem Martin presented a certificate congratulating Kelsey-Seybold on the new location and thanking them for the services the clinic offers the Kingwood community. The clinic actually opened early 2020 but the ribbon cutting was postponed due to the pandemic.
The Kelsey-Seybold Kingwood Clinic, is a standalone, three-story multispecialty clinic, replacing the original location damaged by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The new Kingwood Clinic is located at 25553 U.S. Highway 59, on the north-bound side of Highway 59, just north of Northpark Drive.
At 55,000 square feet, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Kingwood is more than double the size of the previous location. With room for up to 25 physicians, new and existing patients have access to expanded capacity in primary care, including Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics/Gynecology. Other specialties include Allergy, Endocrinology, Orthopedics, Podiatry, Pulmonary Medicine, and Optometry.
In the aftermath of the devastation that Hurricane Harvey caused, all Kelsey-Seybold – Kingwood physicians and staff members were quickly relocated to other clinic locations nearby, including Summer Creek in Humble and The Woodlands OB/GYN and Women's Health in Shenandoah.
The new clinic offers patients the convenience of new diagnostic services, including: 3D (Tomosynthesis) digital mammography, cardiac stress testing, and mobile CT and MRI, in addition to the services offered previously, including X-ray, and ultrasound testing. Patients will also be able to fill and pick up prescriptions on-site at the expanded pharmacy.
DREDGING UPDATE
The City of Houston, through its contractor DRC Emergency Services, LLC (DRC), performed mechanical dredging of the mouth bar throughout last year. The total cost for this project is $40 million, which is funded through a combination of City of Houston Harvey Disaster dollars provided by Governor Greg Abbott, grant dollars from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), and funding from the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) Bond Program. DRC is completing the scope of work for dredging activities in two distinct phases. This phased approach will obligate the full grant funding before the 87th legislative session in 2021.
Phase I Dredging
The first phase removed accumulated materials near and at the mouth bar on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River. During phase one of this project it is expected that a minimum of 400,000 cubic yards (CY) of material will be removed. To date, DRC has removed approximately 385,000 cubic yards of material from the mouth bar and is 95% complete. The remaining strip of the mouth bar is being utilized to assist dredging operations for Phase II before it is completely removed prior to total completion.
Phase II Dredging
The second phase of dredging will focus on removing accumulated materials in the East Fork of the San Jacinto River and other locations in Lake Houston. DRC completed their assignment in the East Fork in January, having dredged approximately 5,500 CY and clearing floatable debris. DRC is now dredging in the area immediately north of the mouth bar and has removed 65,000 CY of the approximately 260,000 CY expected before finishing the remaining section of the mouth bar.
The grant funding for Phase I & II was made possible thanks to State Representative Huberty through the passage of Senate Bill 500.
Lake Houston Maintenance Program Legislation – HB2525/SB1892
The most critical aspect within phase two revolves around the City of Houston, Harris County, HCFCD, SJRA, and Coastal Water Authority (CWA) working to develop and execute a plan for the City of Houston or CWA to assume long-term dredging and maintenance operations on Lake Houston.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin is excited to announce that State Representative Huberty filed HB2525 on March 1 which, if passed, will create the Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District. Currently, HB2525 has been referred to the Natural Resources Committee for review. State Senator Brandon Creighton has filed the companion bill in the Senate, SB1892. SB1892 has been referred to the Local Government Committee for further deliberation.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin has worked diligently with Rep. Huberty and Senator Creighton to get these necessary pieces of legislation filed. The legislation will establish the first ever long-range plan for the dredging and maintenance of Lake Houston. This District will allow for sediment and floatable debris to be removed throughout the year, which will improve capacity and flow through the river and lake year-round.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin, again, would like to offer a very special "Thank You" to State Representative Dan Huberty and Senator Brandon Creighton for their commitment to seeing this project through and dedication to the long-term maintenance activities on Lake Houston.
DEAD AND DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL
District E and the City of Houston are working hard to prepare for the 2021 Hurricane Season. Earlier this year, Houston Urban Forestry identified trees for removal, based upon declining health and danger, along the major thoroughfares in Kingwood. The Dangerous Tree Removal Program started in November and have completed W Lake Houston Parkway and Northpark Drive with Kingwood Drive remaining. The cost of this project is $50,678 and funds are provided through Mayor Pro Tem Martin's Council District Service Funds.
The trees being marked for removal are dead, extremely unhealthy, and/or the most dangerous. Work order(s) will then be generated by block then issued to the City's contractor, Prime Trees, to schedule removal of the dead and most dangerous trees. Prime Trees is working along Kingwood Drive having started near Loop 494 on March 24 and working towards W Lake Houston Parkway in the coming weeks.
As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on-site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as the project will require one lane closure. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times. Businesses and residents will have access to driveways and sidewalks at all times and may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
FLOOD GATES UPDATE
In August of 2019 the clock for Phase I of the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project (Flood Gates) started with the award of a Hazard Mitigation Grant through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) in the amount of $47,170,953 for the City of Houston Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project (Federal Share $35,378,214.75, Non-Federal Share $11,792,738.25). This award is pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Section 404, and 44 CFR Part 206.434.
The final preliminary engineering report is expected to be completed by the end of this April as the project nears the end of Phase I. The City of Houston has submitted the cost-benefit analysis to FEMA and is working to address the comments received from FEMA before resubmitting. The project will move from Phase I to Phase II once the final Cost-Benefit Analysis is submitted to FEMA along with the preliminary engineering report, environmental surveys, and drainage analysis. Upon approval from FEMA, the additional funds provided to the state of Texas for this project will be made available for reimbursement to the City for commencement on Phase II construction. Construction of the improvements to the Spillway is expected to be completed by late 2023 or early 2024, with the possibility of an extension if needed.
Houston Public Works and Coastal Water Authority are working together under the direction of Chief Recovery Officer Stephen Costello to plan a public forum to discuss the progress of the gates in the next few months. As updates for this project become available the District E Office will notify residents utilizing the office newsletter and social media platforms. If you do not already, please follow @cmdavemartin on Twitter and like Mayor Pro Tem Martin's Facebook Page.
8TH ANNUAL VIRGINIA GANDY 5K RUN & WALK
Mothers Against Cancer will hold the 8th Annual Virginia Gandy 5K on Saturday, April 24, 2021.
After having to cancel their 2020 event due to the pandemic, Mothers Against Cancer members are hard at work planning this year’s installment of the Virginia Gandy 5K Run & Walk. This year's event will be held on Saturday, April 24, at Kingwood High School, 2701 Kingwood Drive in Kingwood.
Start times are 8:00 A.M. for the timed 5K run/walk for all ages and 9:30 A.M. for the children’s race (ages 11 and under). The event includes medals for all participants, a raffle, children activities, free refreshments and more. Participants will be required to comply with Humble ISD’s COVID-19 regulations. https://www.humbleisd.net/covid19protocols
Virginia Gandy was a longtime member of the organization, who passed away in March 2012. Her daughter, Meg, is a Mothers Against Cancer member and a teacher at Greentree Elementary in Kingwood.
The 5K race consists of a beautiful, scenic course through Kingwood that begins at Kingwood High School and goes through the greenbelt trails around Kingwood. The children’s race will be held in the main entrance parking lot of Kingwood High School, which will be closed off to cars. If you want to support this event, but would rather sleep late, there is a "Sleepwalker" option! For more information on the event and register visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1242001876196612/?active_tab=about
CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY FOR THE SAN JACINTO BAYOU GREENWAY PROJECT
The Houston Parks Board recently began construction on the San Jacinto Bayou Greenway Project. Houston Parks Board has been working in close partnership with the City of Houston, Harris County Precinct Four, Harris County Flood Control District, community groups, and partners to plan a new San Jacinto Greenway.
The 2.6-mile greenway will feature a hike and bike trail, wayfinding signage, benches, trash cans, recycling bins, wildflower plantings, and more. It will eventually connect to the Spring Creek and Cypress Creek trail systems on the west end via Ross Road through the future Precinct Four Edgewater Park. It will also connect to the Kingwood trail system on the east end via Woodland Hills Drive, giving access to hundreds of miles of trail systems on both the east and west ends built by other partners.
Construction is expected to take 12 months, weather permitting. Crews will be operating between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times. Residents will have access to driveways at all times, and may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
For more information, please visit the West Fork of the San Jacinto webpage at https://houstonparksboard.org/about/west-fork-of-the-san-jacinto-project-history
or contact the Houston Parks Board at 713-942-8500.
NORTHPARK DRIVE OVERPASS PROJECT PROGRESSING
The Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority (LHRA), and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No 10 (the Lake Houston Zone), continue to work diligently on the Northpark Drive Overpass Project and Northpark Drainage Study.
The Project's design and engineering plans are 90 percent complete, with a target of submitting them to the City of Houston for final approval in April. Once LHRA receives final approval, the project will then go through the bid process, with intention of breaking ground on the western phase in late summer 2021. Meanwhile, the design and engineering stage for the eastern sector from Russell Palmer Road to Woodland Hills Drive is now underway, with construction slated to start in 2023. A visual of the existing design can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjku9ht4M50
The Northpark Drive Overpass Project would alleviate congestion, enhance accessibility, and increase safety in the Kingwood area by widening Northpark Drive from four to six lanes between I-69 and Russell Palmer Road, along with adding a grade separation at Texas State Loop 494 and the Union Pacific Railroad crossing. The 2015 Kingwood Area Mobility Study commissioned by the Authority concluded this project is critical to ensuring public safety.
As a reminder, TIRZ Board meetings are open to the public and held on the second Thursday of each month at 8:00 a.m. The next regularly scheduled Board of Directors Meeting will be held on April 8, 2021. Visit the LHRA website for more information on the Northpark Drive Overpass Project and view the 2021 Board of Directors Calendar.
SWD TREE AND JUNK WASTE COLLECTION
The City of Houston Solid Waste Department collects tree and junk waste on a bi-monthly basis. Odd numbered months are designated for tree waste only, and even numbered months are designated for junk waste only.
Items must be placed on the curb between 6pm the Friday before and 7am on the scheduled day. There is a limit of 8 cubic yards (2 pickup trucks) of waste per stop, and only 4 cubic meters may be building materials generated by the resident (except for prohibited materials).
If waste materials exceed the volume limits or include prohibited materials, the waste will not be collected. For more information on what waste is accepted and not accepted and to look up your scheduled collection date please visit www.houstonsolidwaste.org. Don’t forget to follow The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department on Facebook.
COVID-19 TESTING AND VACCINE INFORMATION
Houston’s latest 14 day average positivity rate is 8.6%. It is up to us to stop the spread of COVID-19. Residents should continue frequent hand washing, social distancing, and wearing masks. Find free, fast, and safe testing sites at https://houstonemergency.org/covid-19-testing/
As of Monday, March 29, 2021, everyone age 16 and older is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas. The state’s Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel recommended opening vaccination to everyone who falls under the current Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorizations. All vaccines are authorized for people age 18 and older. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for people 16 and older.
When available, the appointment portal for Houston Health Department vaccine clinics will open at https://houstonemergency.org/covid-19-vaccines/
People may also visit https://houstonemergency.org/covid-19-vaccines/ for a list of local COVID-19 vaccine providers to contact about availability.
People who received their first dose from the health department will be contacted and scheduled for second doses. People do not need to call the department about a second dose unless they have not been contacted 48 hours before Moderna's recommended 28-day due date.
Please check voicemails, text messages and emails frequently for second dose scheduling information and alert the COVID-19 call center at 832-393-4220 if contact information has changed since receiving the first dose.
BIRTHDAY BASH BOX
Birthday Bash Box is a nonprofit that serves the greater Houston area by giving elementary aged children in low-income families a literacy and social emotional learning experience through birthday celebrations.
Birthday Bash Box celebrated the first child in January of 2019 when they were doing in person celebrations through their Birthday Bash program. However, when COVID began to impact our community, they quickly pivoted to give physically distant celebrations through their new Birthday Box Program.
Birthday Boxes are customized to the child's interests and include books, gifts, decor and many birthday surprises which allow the family to give their child a small celebration at home.
Birthday Bash Box was able to celebrate 225 children in 2020 and as of today, they have celebrated a total of 1,044 birthdays since January 2019.
Want to join the celebration by volunteering, donating, or applying for a Birthday Box? Go to their website at BirthdayBashBox.org. You can also connect with Birthday Bash Box on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
This week, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas approved a consent decree between the City of Houston, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the State of Texas to improve Houston's wastewater system.
The consent decree will provide an estimated $2 billion of additional work in improvements to upgrade Houston's aging wastewater system and keep up with Houston's rapidly-growing population. The goal of the consent decree is to protect the environment and human health and improve the wastewater system for generations to come.
The consent decree with the EPA is part of a national program to reduce sanitary sewer overflows, which the Clean Water Act prohibits. A sanitary sewer overflow is a backup and discharge of raw wastewater that can contaminate water, cause property damage and threaten public health. The most common causes of sanitary sewer overflows are blockages (caused by grease & wipes), wastewater line breaks, and flooding (stormwater overloads the wastewater system).
Low-income communities with higher numbers of sanitary sewer overflows and aging infrastructure will be among the first priorities under the consent decree. Houston's wastewater system is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the nation, with approximately 6,000 miles of wastewater pipes, 382 lift stations to move waste due to Houston's flat topography, and 39 wastewater treatment plants.
Prior to negotiating the consent decree with the EPA , the City had already made significant improvements to its wastewater system, and reduced sanitary sewer overflows as a result of billions of dollars previously invested. The Greater Houston Wastewater Program, completed in 1997, proactively devoted $2.2 billion to approximately 430 projects involving construction, rehabilitation, and new or upgraded pump stations.
In 2005, the City also entered into an agreement with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to spend an additional $755 million to upgrade, clean and renew millions of additional feet of pipes and infrastructure.
Entry of the consent decree allows the City to formalize and build upon its ongoing work by devoting the necessary funds to continue wastewater assessment and rehabilitation programs over the next 15 years. A rate study being performed will account for any impacts on wastewater rates due to these improvements. This investment enables the City to reduce sanitary sewer overflows, protect public health and the environment, comply with federal and state laws and regulations, and improve the wastewater system for the long term.
The City will also continue its Protect Our Pipes community outreach program to increase awareness on keeping fats, oils, grease, and other items from going down the drain.
For information and resources on Protect Our Pipes, visit: ProtectOurPipes.org
For information on Houston's Consent Decree, visit: publicworks.houstontx.gov/wastewater-CD
The District E Office will be closed in observance of Good Friday, on Friday, April 2, wishing all who celebrate a Happy Easter.
Sincerely,
David P. Martin
SPACE CENTER HOUSTON HONORS BOEING
On March 25, 2021 Space Center Houston recognized Boeing for investing more than $2 million to fund programs that inspire youth to pursue STEM learning and high-tech careers of the future and unveiled new signage recognizing Boeing for its support of the Independence Plaza exhibit complex.
During the event, local female students participating in the Boeing-sponsored Girls STEM Pathway initiative met with leaders in the space industry to chat about their scientific research and experiential, inquiry-based learning experiences. To date, the Girls STEM Pathway has empowered more than 800 girls to learn more about STEM careers through mentorships with Boeing female employees.
HARRIS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT PROJECTS STATUS UPDATES
Bens Branch Repair North of Kingwood Drive
HCFCD began repairs on Bens Branch from Rocky Woods Drive down to Kingwood Drive in early January. The purpose of this project is to restore the conveyance of Ben’s Branch. It has been reduced over the years due to erosion and sedimentation.
The project will include implementing erosion repairs, repairing side slope failures, repairing or replacing outfalls, rectifying flow lines, and removing excess sediment. HCFCD expects the project to be completed by early summer this year.
Taylor Gully Cleanout Near Maple Bend Bridge
HCFCD also began a cleanout and repair project on Taylor Gully in January this year. The repairs extend 750 feet upstream and 1500 feet downstream of Maple Bend Bridge in Woodstream.
The purpose of the project is to repair erosion and side-slope failures; repair or replace outfalls; rectify flowlines, and rehabilitate existing backslope swale systems. HCFCD expects to be completed with the project by the end of this April, weather permitting.
Forest Cove Townhomes
On January 9, 2021, Harris County Commissioners Court approved a mandatory acquisition (declared a public necessity) for the 7 remaining townhomes in Forest Cove, and on February 9, they mailed initial offer letters based on the completed appraisals to the owners of these remaining townhomes.
The process moving forward is 30 days after the initial offer letter is sent, a second – and final – offer letter will be sent. For those who do not respond by 60 days after the final offer, their file(s) will be sent to the County Attorney’s office to schedule a hearing with the special commissioners for condemnation.
HCFCD is scheduling demolition as they complete the acquisition of entire building units. In the meantime, Mayor Pro Tem Martin has been working closely with HPD-Kingwood, County Commissioner Precinct 4 Jack Cagle, and Harris County Constable Precinct 4 Mark Herman to increase presence in the area to deter illegal dumping or any other illegal activity.
KELSEY SEYBOLD KINGWOOD RIBBON CUTTING
Monday, March 29, Mayor Pro Tem Martin had the privilege to attend the Kelsey-Seybold ribbon cutting of their new Kingwood clinic location. Mayor Pro Tem Martin presented a certificate congratulating Kelsey-Seybold on the new location and thanking them for the services the clinic offers the Kingwood community. The clinic actually opened early 2020 but the ribbon cutting was postponed due to the pandemic.
The Kelsey-Seybold Kingwood Clinic, is a standalone, three-story multispecialty clinic, replacing the original location damaged by Hurricane Harvey in 2017. The new Kingwood Clinic is located at 25553 U.S. Highway 59, on the north-bound side of Highway 59, just north of Northpark Drive.
At 55,000 square feet, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic – Kingwood is more than double the size of the previous location. With room for up to 25 physicians, new and existing patients have access to expanded capacity in primary care, including Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics/Gynecology. Other specialties include Allergy, Endocrinology, Orthopedics, Podiatry, Pulmonary Medicine, and Optometry.
In the aftermath of the devastation that Hurricane Harvey caused, all Kelsey-Seybold – Kingwood physicians and staff members were quickly relocated to other clinic locations nearby, including Summer Creek in Humble and The Woodlands OB/GYN and Women's Health in Shenandoah.
The new clinic offers patients the convenience of new diagnostic services, including: 3D (Tomosynthesis) digital mammography, cardiac stress testing, and mobile CT and MRI, in addition to the services offered previously, including X-ray, and ultrasound testing. Patients will also be able to fill and pick up prescriptions on-site at the expanded pharmacy.
DREDGING UPDATE
The City of Houston, through its contractor DRC Emergency Services, LLC (DRC), performed mechanical dredging of the mouth bar throughout last year. The total cost for this project is $40 million, which is funded through a combination of City of Houston Harvey Disaster dollars provided by Governor Greg Abbott, grant dollars from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), and funding from the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) Bond Program. DRC is completing the scope of work for dredging activities in two distinct phases. This phased approach will obligate the full grant funding before the 87th legislative session in 2021.
Phase I Dredging
The first phase removed accumulated materials near and at the mouth bar on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River. During phase one of this project it is expected that a minimum of 400,000 cubic yards (CY) of material will be removed. To date, DRC has removed approximately 385,000 cubic yards of material from the mouth bar and is 95% complete. The remaining strip of the mouth bar is being utilized to assist dredging operations for Phase II before it is completely removed prior to total completion.
Phase II Dredging
The second phase of dredging will focus on removing accumulated materials in the East Fork of the San Jacinto River and other locations in Lake Houston. DRC completed their assignment in the East Fork in January, having dredged approximately 5,500 CY and clearing floatable debris. DRC is now dredging in the area immediately north of the mouth bar and has removed 65,000 CY of the approximately 260,000 CY expected before finishing the remaining section of the mouth bar.
The grant funding for Phase I & II was made possible thanks to State Representative Huberty through the passage of Senate Bill 500.
Lake Houston Maintenance Program Legislation – HB2525/SB1892
The most critical aspect within phase two revolves around the City of Houston, Harris County, HCFCD, SJRA, and Coastal Water Authority (CWA) working to develop and execute a plan for the City of Houston or CWA to assume long-term dredging and maintenance operations on Lake Houston.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin is excited to announce that State Representative Huberty filed HB2525 on March 1 which, if passed, will create the Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District. Currently, HB2525 has been referred to the Natural Resources Committee for review. State Senator Brandon Creighton has filed the companion bill in the Senate, SB1892. SB1892 has been referred to the Local Government Committee for further deliberation.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin has worked diligently with Rep. Huberty and Senator Creighton to get these necessary pieces of legislation filed. The legislation will establish the first ever long-range plan for the dredging and maintenance of Lake Houston. This District will allow for sediment and floatable debris to be removed throughout the year, which will improve capacity and flow through the river and lake year-round.
Mayor Pro Tem Martin, again, would like to offer a very special "Thank You" to State Representative Dan Huberty and Senator Brandon Creighton for their commitment to seeing this project through and dedication to the long-term maintenance activities on Lake Houston.
DEAD AND DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL
District E and the City of Houston are working hard to prepare for the 2021 Hurricane Season. Earlier this year, Houston Urban Forestry identified trees for removal, based upon declining health and danger, along the major thoroughfares in Kingwood. The Dangerous Tree Removal Program started in November and have completed W Lake Houston Parkway and Northpark Drive with Kingwood Drive remaining. The cost of this project is $50,678 and funds are provided through Mayor Pro Tem Martin's Council District Service Funds.
The trees being marked for removal are dead, extremely unhealthy, and/or the most dangerous. Work order(s) will then be generated by block then issued to the City's contractor, Prime Trees, to schedule removal of the dead and most dangerous trees. Prime Trees is working along Kingwood Drive having started near Loop 494 on March 24 and working towards W Lake Houston Parkway in the coming weeks.
As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on-site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as the project will require one lane closure. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times. Businesses and residents will have access to driveways and sidewalks at all times and may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
FLOOD GATES UPDATE
In August of 2019 the clock for Phase I of the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project (Flood Gates) started with the award of a Hazard Mitigation Grant through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) in the amount of $47,170,953 for the City of Houston Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project (Federal Share $35,378,214.75, Non-Federal Share $11,792,738.25). This award is pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Section 404, and 44 CFR Part 206.434.
The final preliminary engineering report is expected to be completed by the end of this April as the project nears the end of Phase I. The City of Houston has submitted the cost-benefit analysis to FEMA and is working to address the comments received from FEMA before resubmitting. The project will move from Phase I to Phase II once the final Cost-Benefit Analysis is submitted to FEMA along with the preliminary engineering report, environmental surveys, and drainage analysis. Upon approval from FEMA, the additional funds provided to the state of Texas for this project will be made available for reimbursement to the City for commencement on Phase II construction. Construction of the improvements to the Spillway is expected to be completed by late 2023 or early 2024, with the possibility of an extension if needed.
Houston Public Works and Coastal Water Authority are working together under the direction of Chief Recovery Officer Stephen Costello to plan a public forum to discuss the progress of the gates in the next few months. As updates for this project become available the District E Office will notify residents utilizing the office newsletter and social media platforms. If you do not already, please follow @cmdavemartin on Twitter and like Mayor Pro Tem Martin's Facebook Page.
8TH ANNUAL VIRGINIA GANDY 5K RUN & WALK
Mothers Against Cancer will hold the 8th Annual Virginia Gandy 5K on Saturday, April 24, 2021.
After having to cancel their 2020 event due to the pandemic, Mothers Against Cancer members are hard at work planning this year’s installment of the Virginia Gandy 5K Run & Walk. This year's event will be held on Saturday, April 24, at Kingwood High School, 2701 Kingwood Drive in Kingwood.
Start times are 8:00 A.M. for the timed 5K run/walk for all ages and 9:30 A.M. for the children’s race (ages 11 and under). The event includes medals for all participants, a raffle, children activities, free refreshments and more. Participants will be required to comply with Humble ISD’s COVID-19 regulations. https://www.humbleisd.net/covid19protocols
Virginia Gandy was a longtime member of the organization, who passed away in March 2012. Her daughter, Meg, is a Mothers Against Cancer member and a teacher at Greentree Elementary in Kingwood.
The 5K race consists of a beautiful, scenic course through Kingwood that begins at Kingwood High School and goes through the greenbelt trails around Kingwood. The children’s race will be held in the main entrance parking lot of Kingwood High School, which will be closed off to cars. If you want to support this event, but would rather sleep late, there is a "Sleepwalker" option! For more information on the event and register visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1242001876196612/?active_tab=about
CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY FOR THE SAN JACINTO BAYOU GREENWAY PROJECT
The Houston Parks Board recently began construction on the San Jacinto Bayou Greenway Project. Houston Parks Board has been working in close partnership with the City of Houston, Harris County Precinct Four, Harris County Flood Control District, community groups, and partners to plan a new San Jacinto Greenway.
The 2.6-mile greenway will feature a hike and bike trail, wayfinding signage, benches, trash cans, recycling bins, wildflower plantings, and more. It will eventually connect to the Spring Creek and Cypress Creek trail systems on the west end via Ross Road through the future Precinct Four Edgewater Park. It will also connect to the Kingwood trail system on the east end via Woodland Hills Drive, giving access to hundreds of miles of trail systems on both the east and west ends built by other partners.
Construction is expected to take 12 months, weather permitting. Crews will be operating between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone. Two-way traffic will be maintained at all times. Residents will have access to driveways at all times, and may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.
For more information, please visit the West Fork of the San Jacinto webpage at https://houstonparksboard.org/about/west-fork-of-the-san-jacinto-project-history
or contact the Houston Parks Board at 713-942-8500.
NORTHPARK DRIVE OVERPASS PROJECT PROGRESSING
The Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority (LHRA), and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No 10 (the Lake Houston Zone), continue to work diligently on the Northpark Drive Overpass Project and Northpark Drainage Study.
The Project's design and engineering plans are 90 percent complete, with a target of submitting them to the City of Houston for final approval in April. Once LHRA receives final approval, the project will then go through the bid process, with intention of breaking ground on the western phase in late summer 2021. Meanwhile, the design and engineering stage for the eastern sector from Russell Palmer Road to Woodland Hills Drive is now underway, with construction slated to start in 2023. A visual of the existing design can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjku9ht4M50
The Northpark Drive Overpass Project would alleviate congestion, enhance accessibility, and increase safety in the Kingwood area by widening Northpark Drive from four to six lanes between I-69 and Russell Palmer Road, along with adding a grade separation at Texas State Loop 494 and the Union Pacific Railroad crossing. The 2015 Kingwood Area Mobility Study commissioned by the Authority concluded this project is critical to ensuring public safety.
As a reminder, TIRZ Board meetings are open to the public and held on the second Thursday of each month at 8:00 a.m. The next regularly scheduled Board of Directors Meeting will be held on April 8, 2021. Visit the LHRA website for more information on the Northpark Drive Overpass Project and view the 2021 Board of Directors Calendar.
SWD TREE AND JUNK WASTE COLLECTION
The City of Houston Solid Waste Department collects tree and junk waste on a bi-monthly basis. Odd numbered months are designated for tree waste only, and even numbered months are designated for junk waste only.
Items must be placed on the curb between 6pm the Friday before and 7am on the scheduled day. There is a limit of 8 cubic yards (2 pickup trucks) of waste per stop, and only 4 cubic meters may be building materials generated by the resident (except for prohibited materials).
If waste materials exceed the volume limits or include prohibited materials, the waste will not be collected. For more information on what waste is accepted and not accepted and to look up your scheduled collection date please visit www.houstonsolidwaste.org. Don’t forget to follow The City of Houston Solid Waste Management Department on Facebook.
COVID-19 TESTING AND VACCINE INFORMATION
Houston’s latest 14 day average positivity rate is 8.6%. It is up to us to stop the spread of COVID-19. Residents should continue frequent hand washing, social distancing, and wearing masks. Find free, fast, and safe testing sites at https://houstonemergency.org/covid-19-testing/
As of Monday, March 29, 2021, everyone age 16 and older is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas. The state’s Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel recommended opening vaccination to everyone who falls under the current Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorizations. All vaccines are authorized for people age 18 and older. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for people 16 and older.
When available, the appointment portal for Houston Health Department vaccine clinics will open at https://houstonemergency.org/covid-19-vaccines/
People may also visit https://houstonemergency.org/covid-19-vaccines/ for a list of local COVID-19 vaccine providers to contact about availability.
People who received their first dose from the health department will be contacted and scheduled for second doses. People do not need to call the department about a second dose unless they have not been contacted 48 hours before Moderna's recommended 28-day due date.
Please check voicemails, text messages and emails frequently for second dose scheduling information and alert the COVID-19 call center at 832-393-4220 if contact information has changed since receiving the first dose.
BIRTHDAY BASH BOX
Birthday Bash Box is a nonprofit that serves the greater Houston area by giving elementary aged children in low-income families a literacy and social emotional learning experience through birthday celebrations.
Birthday Bash Box celebrated the first child in January of 2019 when they were doing in person celebrations through their Birthday Bash program. However, when COVID began to impact our community, they quickly pivoted to give physically distant celebrations through their new Birthday Box Program.
Birthday Boxes are customized to the child's interests and include books, gifts, decor and many birthday surprises which allow the family to give their child a small celebration at home.
Birthday Bash Box was able to celebrate 225 children in 2020 and as of today, they have celebrated a total of 1,044 birthdays since January 2019.
Want to join the celebration by volunteering, donating, or applying for a Birthday Box? Go to their website at BirthdayBashBox.org. You can also connect with Birthday Bash Box on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.