10/2/2019
Residents of District E,
As cooler, and hopefully drier, weather moves into Texas we welcome lower temperatures and the opportunity to meet with our neighbors in celebration of National Night Out https://natw.org, taking place tonight, October 1, is an annual community event that is about building relationships within our neighborhoods and strengthening partnerships with our first responders to create a safer neighborhood.
I ask each District E resident, in the wake of Tropical Storm Imelda, to check in on how you and your neighbors are doing emotionally. These events leaves scars on our hearts that are not always visible. It is important to take time to assess how you are doing and watch those close to you for signs of emotional trauma like trouble concentrating, difficulty making decisions, recurring dreams/nightmares, and sleeplessness. The District E Office is doing all they can to assist as quickly as possible. Keep in mind they too undergo this stress along with you, each phone call, email, and site visit they participate in. As with any health concern it is important to seek the advice of a licensed medical professional.
If you were affected by Tropical Storm Imelda please contact Houston 3-1-1 by calling (713) 837-0311 to report storm debris as well as structural flooding, water that entered your house. Solid Waste Department (SWD) crews continue to work their way through the Lake Houston Communities but during this round of flooding reporting is especially important as we know there are some instances that water only impacted one or two homes on a street. This adds to our request for patience as we work to guide SWD crews to all addresses effected. Once you have reported your storm debris and structural flooding please fill out the Tropical Storm Imelda Survey.
https://harveyhomeconnect.tfaforms.net/41
Currently our office is monitoring over 500 unique cases specific to the Kingwood, Huffman, and Crosby area. There has not been a Federal Disaster Declaration at this time. Questions related to FEMA should be directed to Congressman Dan Crenshaw's Office https://crenshaw.house.gov/contact/, who has been a great partner visiting hard hit areas shortly after the storm.
Many early reports indicated that this was an inundation event, related to several inches of rain within a very short period. Harris County Flood Control District Meteorologist, Jeff Lindner, has released flood control's first Tropical Storm Imelda Report.
https://reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Immediate-Flood-Report-1.pdf
The City of Houston's drainage system was designed to handle a 100-year storm, which is 1 to 2 inches of rain every hour. During Imelda in the Lake Houston Area, at one point the area experienced 4 inches of rain in a 15-minute period. Our stormwater system simply cannot accommodate that amount of rain we are receiving during these extreme weather events. We cannot out engineer mother nature, but the City of Houston is committed to doing our part to reduce the risk of flooding.
The District E office continues to monitor debris removal from all parts of District E. Please make sure that any debris that you have is reported to Houston 3-1-1 (713-837-0311) and forwarded to our office (districte@houstontx.gov). We are well on our way to recovery and together we will get through this and grow in strength from this terrible incident. My thoughts and prayers go out to all District E residents as we all work to put our City back together again.
Sincerely,
Dave Martin
District E Fall Town Halls
Council Member Martin invites District E residents to attend his upcoming Town Hall meeting.
Kingwood/Lake Houston
Thursday, October 17
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Kingwood Community Center - Main Room
4102 Rustic Woods Drive
Kingwood, Texas 77345
Mayor Turner will be in attendance, and we have invited representatives from several city departments and community partners to provide updates related to District E. The meeting will be live-streamed and posted on Council Member Martin's Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/councilmemberdavemartin
for those who cannot attend in person.
In Kingwood, we will have invited Stephen Costello, City of Houston Chief Recovery Officer, Houston Public Works, TIRZ 10 Chair Stan Sarman, San Jacinto River Authority Director of Flood Management, Houston Parks Board and Texas Department of Transportation, and Harris County Flood Control District.
Tropical Depression Imelda Recovery: Reporting Storm Debris and Structural Flooding
Council Member Martin is encouraging all District E residents to report storm debris and structural flooding to Houston 311 by calling 713-837-0311. It is imperative this information be reported to the City of Houston so there is a clear record of homes impacted and the appropriate departments can respond as quickly as possible.
The District E office coordinated with the City of Houston Solid Waste Department (SWD) to begin storm debris pickup to the Kingwood and Lake Houston area on Monday, September 23 and crews are still working in the area. Please make sure the debris is not placed near mailboxes or blocked by vehicles as this will impact SWD's ability to access and remove the debris. Roadways should be kept clear to ensure SWD vehicles can pass through the neighborhoods. Please avoid street parking if possible.
In addition to reporting storm debris, structural flooding must be reporting to Houston 311 so the City of Houston will be made aware of those impacted.
Houston 311 can be contacted by calling 713-837-0311. Following the report to 311, a service request number will be generated. Please share this service request number and the associated address with the District E office by emailing districte@houstontx.gov so District E staff can track each case and expedite debris clean up as quickly as possible. Please note, two service request numbers must be generated to properly report storm debris and structural flooding separately.
Harvey Home Connect Imelda Survey
For those who experienced flooding during Imelda, the first step for now is to complete the Imelda Survey.
https://www.imeldasurvey.com/
As of today, the federal government has not issued a federal disaster declaration. This means that FEMA help is not yet an option. Mayor Turner and Judge Hidalgo launched a charitable fund
https://ghcf.org/imelda/
on Monday to help survivors through a partnership with the Greater Houston Community Foundation.
It's critical the federal government see the full picture of Imelda damage in Texas. Please report any damage to your home through the Harvey Home Connect Imelda
https://www.imeldasurvey.com/
as well as reporting to Houston 3-1-1 (713-837-0311).
If you already are working on a Harvey application and had Imelda damage, too, please call your Housing Specialist or 832-393-0550. The Harvey program is underway and will continue even as we wait to see what the federal response will be to Imelda.
Fosters Mill Community Meeting
On September 9, Council Member Martin had the opportunity to speak at the Fosters Mill Village Annual Community Meeting. Council Member Martin provided an update on various Lake Houston projects such as the mouth-bar dredging recently completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the FEMA Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project (Flood Gates).
Thank you to community member, Maryanne Fortson, for the invitation to attend. It was wonderful to see everyone back in the Deerwood Country Club for the first time since Harvey.
Jack and Jill, Inc: Humble-Kingwood Chapter Recognition
On Tuesday, September 10, Council Member Martin had the opportunity to present a proclamation to the Jack and Jill, Inc: Humble-Kingwood Chapter in honor of Jack and Jill Humble-Kingwood Annual Day, and their achievement of the 2018-2020 Five Star Chapter of Excellence Award.
Jack and Jill of America is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2 to 19. The mother members are dedicated to nurturing future leaders by supporting children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.
Council Member Martin was honored and proud today to recognize the Humble-Kingwood Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc. for the both the impactful work the organization is doing in the Kingwood, Humble, and Lake Houston communities, as well as for their participation in the organization's Carole Robertson Memorial Day.
Taylor Gully
On Monday, July 15, Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) https://www.hcfcd.org/ began a desilt project on the upstream portion of Taylor Gully from Bassingham to the Harris County line. The work is nearing completion as crews were delayed due to Tropical Storm Imelda.
This work effort has include desilting the channel, reconstructing the backslope interceptor structures, installing new backslope interceptor pipes, regrading backslope swales, installing new gates and signs, and resetting the covers of the "E type" inlets that have been damaged.
During recent rain events, intense rainfall rates greatly exceeded internal and primary drainage system capabilities resulting in significant and at times deep street flooding and sheetflow.
Council Member Martin has asked that HCFCD reevaluate the existing projects and address any needed change to further reduce flood risk.
After completing this reach of channel, HCFCD staff will investigate Taylor Gully further downstream, where HCFCD completed a desilt job in the spring of 2019. HCFCD will open up any constrictions and desilt the channel if necessary.
Bens Branch Conveyance Restoration Project
The Bens Branch Channel from Kingwood Drive to about 1,800 linear feet downstream of West Lake Houston Parkway, is owned by the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD).
https://www.hcfcd.org/
As property owners of this channel, HCFCD began their Conveyance Restoration Project on August 19. The project will include removing and disposing of approximately 76,285 cubic yards of sediment accumulations. This will be a multi-step process. First, HCFCD's contractor, Solid Bridge Construction, LLC, must remove the soil from the creek. Then the soil must drain and dry. Finally, dump trucks will remove the excavated material. Based on the current timeline, the project is scheduled to be complete by the summer of 2020, weather permitting.
Please be aware that construction equipment will access the work area via the established access points from Kingwood Drive, Bens View, West Lake Houston Parkway, and Denmere. The contractor will use heavy construction equipment such as dump trucks, excavators and bulldozers. Motorists are urged to be alert to truck traffic when passing near construction access points.
For any questions or concerns, please contact the Harris County Flood Control District by calling (713) 684-4197 or visiting their website. https://www.hcfcd.org/contact-us/
For more information on HCFCD projects in the Kingwood area, please visit this link.
https://www.hcfcd.org/hurricane-harvey/kingwood-information/
Council Member Martin has asked that HCFCD reevaluate the existing projects and address any needed change to further reduce flood risk.
Progress on the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project (Flood Gates)
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 first phase of this project includes the City of Houston working with Harris County Flood Control District, as a partner, to procure a consultant that will provide for the design, permitting, environmental, hydraulic and hydrologic analysis. The first phase of this project is expected to be completed by Fall 2020 but extensions may be necessary depending on results of environmental analysis and impact studies. The City of Houston will front all costs for the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project and submit reimbursement requests to the Texas Division of Emergency Management on a monthly basis.
Once Phase I of the project is complete the City of Houston will renew the cost benefit analysis and submit to FEMA for their review. Upon their review of the completed cost benefit analysis after Phase I completion, the additional funds provided to the state of Texas for this project will be made available for reimbursement to the City for completion of Phase II construction. The two phases of the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project are expected to be completed within 36 months, with the possibility of extension if needed.
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 the Council Member's Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/councilmemberdavemartin/
Kingwood Area Republican Women's 40th Anniversary Celebration
On September 20, Council Member Martin had the honor of presenting a proclamation to the Kingwood Area Republican Women's Club for celebrating 40 years of service in the community.
The Kingwood Area Republic Women's Club is comprised of strong, steadfast women who have advocated on behalf of the conservative men and women in the Lake Houston Area since they were federated in January 1979. They are an award-winning organization that continues to show unwavering support for GOP candidates and leaders on every level.
Council Member Martin thanks the Kingwood Area Republic Women for their hard work and commitment to the community over the last 40 years.
Elm Grove Elementary Flood Recovery Event
On Thursday, September 26, Council Member Martin visited with residents in the Elm Grove community who were affected by Tropical Storm Imelda. The event was hosted by Elm Grove Elementary staff who provided food and recovery resources for those in attendance.
Thank you to Humble ISD and staff at Elm Grove Elementary for coordinating this event in such a quick manner during this difficult time.
All residents please make sure that reports of structural flooding and storm debris are made to Houston 3-1-1.
TxDOT FM1960 Access Management Study Public Meeting
The public meetings for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) FM 1960 Access Management Study are coming up on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 and Thursday, October 3, 2019. Citizens are cordially invited to attend the meetings. The meetings will be held in an open-house format where staff will be available to answer questions and citizens may provide comments.
The study is for the 11-mile segment of FM 1960 from East Gatewick (just east of I-45) to BF 1960A (east of I-69) in Harris County. The FM 1960 Study aims to identify short-, medium-, and long-range improvements to reduce crashes, improve mobility, and support existing and future development.
Tuesday, October 1
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Humble High School
1700 Wilson Road
Humble, TX 77338
Thursday, October 3
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Nimitz High School
2005 W. W. Thorne Drive
Houston, TX 77073
For more information, please visit www.txdot.gov and Search: "FM 1960 Access Management".
Contact Information
Reference the following project number: 1685-03-104, 1685-02-052
TxDOT Houston District
Director Advance Transportation Planning
7600 Washington Avenue,
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 802-5000
fm1960-accessmanagement@txdot.gov
National Drug Take Back Day
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will take place this year on Saturday, October 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Walmart located at 2165 Northpark Drive in Kingwood.
The national event, sponsored by the United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration, aims to provide safe and convenient disposal of prescription drugs while also educating the public on the potential for the abuse of prescription medications. Sites will be available throughout the City of Houston for residents to drop off unused or expired drugs for safe disposal by law enforcement personnel. To learn more about National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, please click here.
https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/content/national-take-back-day
Once information is available on a date in Clear Lake the District E office will notify residents through Council Member Martin's social media pages.
Rain Barrel Program
The City of Houston Green Building Resource Center helps area residents conserve natural resources to lessen the effects of the Texas heat by offering rain barrels and compost bins at a discounted price. The fall edition of its biannual online sale is now open, with a pick-up date of Saturday, October 12.
The rain barrels, which typically retail at $129 and provide homeowners with an affordable alternative to watering from the tap, will be available for $72. Additionally, compost bins, which reduce the volume of garbage needlessly sent to landfills, will be offered for $67. Both come with instructions for easy set-up and use.
To order, visit the website by Sunday, October 6: www.RainBarrelProgram.org/Houston.
Purchases can be picked up October 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Houston Permitting Center (West) Parking Lot 2, 1002 Washington Ave. GBRC Program Director Steve Stelzer will be available to answer questions and assist all who take part in this offer.
Council Member Martin is working with Houston Public Works to coordinate an event in Spring 2020 to accommodate District E residents by hosting pick up events in Kingwood and Clear Lake. Be on the lookout for more information in the coming months!
Forest Cove Townhomes Buyout Update
The District E office continues to monitor the progress of the Harris County Flood Control District Buyout Process. As of this month, HCFCD has continued with the purchase and demolition of some properties located in the Forest Cove Townhome Community as part of their Home Buyout Program.
https://www.hcfcd.org/hurricane-harvey/home-buyout-program/
HCFCD has purchased all units in the following buildings: 1102 Marina, 1050 Marina, 1060 Marina, 1040 Marina, 1030 Marina, 930 Aqua Vista, and 803/5 Timberline. There are approximately 18 more units in the process of being purchased. Once these remaining properties are purchased HCFCD will have complete ownership.
The following buildings have been demolished: 1050 Marina, 1060 Marina, and 803/5 Timberline. HCFCD is in the process of demolishing 1102 Marina, 1040 Marina, 1030 Marina, and 930 Aqua Vista. As HCFCD completes ownership on the 19 remaining units, the demolitions of those buildings will follow.
The District E office greatly appreciates everything HCFCD has done in keeping our office informed on the status of the demolition process for these Hurricane Harvey buyout properties. We would also like to thank the City of Houston Police Department and Houston Fire Department for their efforts in monitoring this area and responding to concerns when needed. Council Member Martin encourages residents to continue reporting any suspicious activity or illegal dumping to 3-1-1 by calling (713) 837-0311.
Wings Over Houston
Council Member Martin invites all Houstonians to Ellington Airport on Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20 for the Annual Wings Over Houston Airshow. This year, Wings Over Houston is honored to host, not just one, but two national military jet demonstration teams, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. Both teams will put on jaw-dropping demonstrations highlighted by precision formation flying (separated by only a few feet) at hundreds of miles an hour.
Gates will open at 8:00 a.m. on both October 19 and 20. For more on the Wings Over Houston Airshow, including ticket information, please visit www.wingsoverhouston.com.
Upcoming Events
Please email the District E office if you would like us to include your upcoming event in future newsletters!
City Wides
October 1
National Night Out
Kingwood
October 5
Kingwood Electronic Waste Recycling
October 9
Kingwood Service Association Public Safety Committee
Council Member Dave Martin City of Houston, 900 Bagby, Houston, TX 77002
October 15
Kingwood PIP
October 16
Kingwood Super Neighborhood Meeting
October 17
Kingwood Lake Houston Area Fall Town Hall Meeting
October 21
Quarterly Huffman Public Safety
As cooler, and hopefully drier, weather moves into Texas we welcome lower temperatures and the opportunity to meet with our neighbors in celebration of National Night Out https://natw.org, taking place tonight, October 1, is an annual community event that is about building relationships within our neighborhoods and strengthening partnerships with our first responders to create a safer neighborhood.
I ask each District E resident, in the wake of Tropical Storm Imelda, to check in on how you and your neighbors are doing emotionally. These events leaves scars on our hearts that are not always visible. It is important to take time to assess how you are doing and watch those close to you for signs of emotional trauma like trouble concentrating, difficulty making decisions, recurring dreams/nightmares, and sleeplessness. The District E Office is doing all they can to assist as quickly as possible. Keep in mind they too undergo this stress along with you, each phone call, email, and site visit they participate in. As with any health concern it is important to seek the advice of a licensed medical professional.
If you were affected by Tropical Storm Imelda please contact Houston 3-1-1 by calling (713) 837-0311 to report storm debris as well as structural flooding, water that entered your house. Solid Waste Department (SWD) crews continue to work their way through the Lake Houston Communities but during this round of flooding reporting is especially important as we know there are some instances that water only impacted one or two homes on a street. This adds to our request for patience as we work to guide SWD crews to all addresses effected. Once you have reported your storm debris and structural flooding please fill out the Tropical Storm Imelda Survey.
https://harveyhomeconnect.tfaforms.net/41
Currently our office is monitoring over 500 unique cases specific to the Kingwood, Huffman, and Crosby area. There has not been a Federal Disaster Declaration at this time. Questions related to FEMA should be directed to Congressman Dan Crenshaw's Office https://crenshaw.house.gov/contact/, who has been a great partner visiting hard hit areas shortly after the storm.
Many early reports indicated that this was an inundation event, related to several inches of rain within a very short period. Harris County Flood Control District Meteorologist, Jeff Lindner, has released flood control's first Tropical Storm Imelda Report.
https://reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Immediate-Flood-Report-1.pdf
The City of Houston's drainage system was designed to handle a 100-year storm, which is 1 to 2 inches of rain every hour. During Imelda in the Lake Houston Area, at one point the area experienced 4 inches of rain in a 15-minute period. Our stormwater system simply cannot accommodate that amount of rain we are receiving during these extreme weather events. We cannot out engineer mother nature, but the City of Houston is committed to doing our part to reduce the risk of flooding.
The District E office continues to monitor debris removal from all parts of District E. Please make sure that any debris that you have is reported to Houston 3-1-1 (713-837-0311) and forwarded to our office (districte@houstontx.gov). We are well on our way to recovery and together we will get through this and grow in strength from this terrible incident. My thoughts and prayers go out to all District E residents as we all work to put our City back together again.
Sincerely,
Dave Martin
District E Fall Town Halls
Council Member Martin invites District E residents to attend his upcoming Town Hall meeting.
Kingwood/Lake Houston
Thursday, October 17
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Kingwood Community Center - Main Room
4102 Rustic Woods Drive
Kingwood, Texas 77345
Mayor Turner will be in attendance, and we have invited representatives from several city departments and community partners to provide updates related to District E. The meeting will be live-streamed and posted on Council Member Martin's Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/councilmemberdavemartin
for those who cannot attend in person.
In Kingwood, we will have invited Stephen Costello, City of Houston Chief Recovery Officer, Houston Public Works, TIRZ 10 Chair Stan Sarman, San Jacinto River Authority Director of Flood Management, Houston Parks Board and Texas Department of Transportation, and Harris County Flood Control District.
Tropical Depression Imelda Recovery: Reporting Storm Debris and Structural Flooding
Council Member Martin is encouraging all District E residents to report storm debris and structural flooding to Houston 311 by calling 713-837-0311. It is imperative this information be reported to the City of Houston so there is a clear record of homes impacted and the appropriate departments can respond as quickly as possible.
The District E office coordinated with the City of Houston Solid Waste Department (SWD) to begin storm debris pickup to the Kingwood and Lake Houston area on Monday, September 23 and crews are still working in the area. Please make sure the debris is not placed near mailboxes or blocked by vehicles as this will impact SWD's ability to access and remove the debris. Roadways should be kept clear to ensure SWD vehicles can pass through the neighborhoods. Please avoid street parking if possible.
In addition to reporting storm debris, structural flooding must be reporting to Houston 311 so the City of Houston will be made aware of those impacted.
Houston 311 can be contacted by calling 713-837-0311. Following the report to 311, a service request number will be generated. Please share this service request number and the associated address with the District E office by emailing districte@houstontx.gov so District E staff can track each case and expedite debris clean up as quickly as possible. Please note, two service request numbers must be generated to properly report storm debris and structural flooding separately.
Harvey Home Connect Imelda Survey
For those who experienced flooding during Imelda, the first step for now is to complete the Imelda Survey.
https://www.imeldasurvey.com/
As of today, the federal government has not issued a federal disaster declaration. This means that FEMA help is not yet an option. Mayor Turner and Judge Hidalgo launched a charitable fund
https://ghcf.org/imelda/
on Monday to help survivors through a partnership with the Greater Houston Community Foundation.
It's critical the federal government see the full picture of Imelda damage in Texas. Please report any damage to your home through the Harvey Home Connect Imelda
https://www.imeldasurvey.com/
as well as reporting to Houston 3-1-1 (713-837-0311).
If you already are working on a Harvey application and had Imelda damage, too, please call your Housing Specialist or 832-393-0550. The Harvey program is underway and will continue even as we wait to see what the federal response will be to Imelda.
Fosters Mill Community Meeting
On September 9, Council Member Martin had the opportunity to speak at the Fosters Mill Village Annual Community Meeting. Council Member Martin provided an update on various Lake Houston projects such as the mouth-bar dredging recently completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the FEMA Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project (Flood Gates).
Thank you to community member, Maryanne Fortson, for the invitation to attend. It was wonderful to see everyone back in the Deerwood Country Club for the first time since Harvey.
Jack and Jill, Inc: Humble-Kingwood Chapter Recognition
On Tuesday, September 10, Council Member Martin had the opportunity to present a proclamation to the Jack and Jill, Inc: Humble-Kingwood Chapter in honor of Jack and Jill Humble-Kingwood Annual Day, and their achievement of the 2018-2020 Five Star Chapter of Excellence Award.
Jack and Jill of America is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2 to 19. The mother members are dedicated to nurturing future leaders by supporting children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.
Council Member Martin was honored and proud today to recognize the Humble-Kingwood Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc. for the both the impactful work the organization is doing in the Kingwood, Humble, and Lake Houston communities, as well as for their participation in the organization's Carole Robertson Memorial Day.
Taylor Gully
On Monday, July 15, Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) https://www.hcfcd.org/ began a desilt project on the upstream portion of Taylor Gully from Bassingham to the Harris County line. The work is nearing completion as crews were delayed due to Tropical Storm Imelda.
This work effort has include desilting the channel, reconstructing the backslope interceptor structures, installing new backslope interceptor pipes, regrading backslope swales, installing new gates and signs, and resetting the covers of the "E type" inlets that have been damaged.
During recent rain events, intense rainfall rates greatly exceeded internal and primary drainage system capabilities resulting in significant and at times deep street flooding and sheetflow.
Council Member Martin has asked that HCFCD reevaluate the existing projects and address any needed change to further reduce flood risk.
After completing this reach of channel, HCFCD staff will investigate Taylor Gully further downstream, where HCFCD completed a desilt job in the spring of 2019. HCFCD will open up any constrictions and desilt the channel if necessary.
Bens Branch Conveyance Restoration Project
The Bens Branch Channel from Kingwood Drive to about 1,800 linear feet downstream of West Lake Houston Parkway, is owned by the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD).
https://www.hcfcd.org/
As property owners of this channel, HCFCD began their Conveyance Restoration Project on August 19. The project will include removing and disposing of approximately 76,285 cubic yards of sediment accumulations. This will be a multi-step process. First, HCFCD's contractor, Solid Bridge Construction, LLC, must remove the soil from the creek. Then the soil must drain and dry. Finally, dump trucks will remove the excavated material. Based on the current timeline, the project is scheduled to be complete by the summer of 2020, weather permitting.
Please be aware that construction equipment will access the work area via the established access points from Kingwood Drive, Bens View, West Lake Houston Parkway, and Denmere. The contractor will use heavy construction equipment such as dump trucks, excavators and bulldozers. Motorists are urged to be alert to truck traffic when passing near construction access points.
For any questions or concerns, please contact the Harris County Flood Control District by calling (713) 684-4197 or visiting their website. https://www.hcfcd.org/contact-us/
For more information on HCFCD projects in the Kingwood area, please visit this link.
https://www.hcfcd.org/hurricane-harvey/kingwood-information/
Council Member Martin has asked that HCFCD reevaluate the existing projects and address any needed change to further reduce flood risk.
Progress on the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project (Flood Gates)
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 first phase of this project includes the City of Houston working with Harris County Flood Control District, as a partner, to procure a consultant that will provide for the design, permitting, environmental, hydraulic and hydrologic analysis. The first phase of this project is expected to be completed by Fall 2020 but extensions may be necessary depending on results of environmental analysis and impact studies. The City of Houston will front all costs for the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project and submit reimbursement requests to the Texas Division of Emergency Management on a monthly basis.
Once Phase I of the project is complete the City of Houston will renew the cost benefit analysis and submit to FEMA for their review. Upon their review of the completed cost benefit analysis after Phase I completion, the additional funds provided to the state of Texas for this project will be made available for reimbursement to the City for completion of Phase II construction. The two phases of the Lake Houston Spillway Dam Improvement Project are expected to be completed within 36 months, with the possibility of extension if needed.
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 the Council Member's Facebook Page. https://www.facebook.com/councilmemberdavemartin/
Kingwood Area Republican Women's 40th Anniversary Celebration
On September 20, Council Member Martin had the honor of presenting a proclamation to the Kingwood Area Republican Women's Club for celebrating 40 years of service in the community.
The Kingwood Area Republic Women's Club is comprised of strong, steadfast women who have advocated on behalf of the conservative men and women in the Lake Houston Area since they were federated in January 1979. They are an award-winning organization that continues to show unwavering support for GOP candidates and leaders on every level.
Council Member Martin thanks the Kingwood Area Republic Women for their hard work and commitment to the community over the last 40 years.
Elm Grove Elementary Flood Recovery Event
On Thursday, September 26, Council Member Martin visited with residents in the Elm Grove community who were affected by Tropical Storm Imelda. The event was hosted by Elm Grove Elementary staff who provided food and recovery resources for those in attendance.
Thank you to Humble ISD and staff at Elm Grove Elementary for coordinating this event in such a quick manner during this difficult time.
All residents please make sure that reports of structural flooding and storm debris are made to Houston 3-1-1.
TxDOT FM1960 Access Management Study Public Meeting
The public meetings for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) FM 1960 Access Management Study are coming up on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 and Thursday, October 3, 2019. Citizens are cordially invited to attend the meetings. The meetings will be held in an open-house format where staff will be available to answer questions and citizens may provide comments.
The study is for the 11-mile segment of FM 1960 from East Gatewick (just east of I-45) to BF 1960A (east of I-69) in Harris County. The FM 1960 Study aims to identify short-, medium-, and long-range improvements to reduce crashes, improve mobility, and support existing and future development.
Tuesday, October 1
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Humble High School
1700 Wilson Road
Humble, TX 77338
Thursday, October 3
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Nimitz High School
2005 W. W. Thorne Drive
Houston, TX 77073
For more information, please visit www.txdot.gov and Search: "FM 1960 Access Management".
Contact Information
Reference the following project number: 1685-03-104, 1685-02-052
TxDOT Houston District
Director Advance Transportation Planning
7600 Washington Avenue,
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 802-5000
fm1960-accessmanagement@txdot.gov
National Drug Take Back Day
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will take place this year on Saturday, October 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Walmart located at 2165 Northpark Drive in Kingwood.
The national event, sponsored by the United States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration, aims to provide safe and convenient disposal of prescription drugs while also educating the public on the potential for the abuse of prescription medications. Sites will be available throughout the City of Houston for residents to drop off unused or expired drugs for safe disposal by law enforcement personnel. To learn more about National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, please click here.
https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/content/national-take-back-day
Once information is available on a date in Clear Lake the District E office will notify residents through Council Member Martin's social media pages.
Rain Barrel Program
The City of Houston Green Building Resource Center helps area residents conserve natural resources to lessen the effects of the Texas heat by offering rain barrels and compost bins at a discounted price. The fall edition of its biannual online sale is now open, with a pick-up date of Saturday, October 12.
The rain barrels, which typically retail at $129 and provide homeowners with an affordable alternative to watering from the tap, will be available for $72. Additionally, compost bins, which reduce the volume of garbage needlessly sent to landfills, will be offered for $67. Both come with instructions for easy set-up and use.
To order, visit the website by Sunday, October 6: www.RainBarrelProgram.org/Houston.
Purchases can be picked up October 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Houston Permitting Center (West) Parking Lot 2, 1002 Washington Ave. GBRC Program Director Steve Stelzer will be available to answer questions and assist all who take part in this offer.
Council Member Martin is working with Houston Public Works to coordinate an event in Spring 2020 to accommodate District E residents by hosting pick up events in Kingwood and Clear Lake. Be on the lookout for more information in the coming months!
Forest Cove Townhomes Buyout Update
The District E office continues to monitor the progress of the Harris County Flood Control District Buyout Process. As of this month, HCFCD has continued with the purchase and demolition of some properties located in the Forest Cove Townhome Community as part of their Home Buyout Program.
https://www.hcfcd.org/hurricane-harvey/home-buyout-program/
HCFCD has purchased all units in the following buildings: 1102 Marina, 1050 Marina, 1060 Marina, 1040 Marina, 1030 Marina, 930 Aqua Vista, and 803/5 Timberline. There are approximately 18 more units in the process of being purchased. Once these remaining properties are purchased HCFCD will have complete ownership.
The following buildings have been demolished: 1050 Marina, 1060 Marina, and 803/5 Timberline. HCFCD is in the process of demolishing 1102 Marina, 1040 Marina, 1030 Marina, and 930 Aqua Vista. As HCFCD completes ownership on the 19 remaining units, the demolitions of those buildings will follow.
The District E office greatly appreciates everything HCFCD has done in keeping our office informed on the status of the demolition process for these Hurricane Harvey buyout properties. We would also like to thank the City of Houston Police Department and Houston Fire Department for their efforts in monitoring this area and responding to concerns when needed. Council Member Martin encourages residents to continue reporting any suspicious activity or illegal dumping to 3-1-1 by calling (713) 837-0311.
Wings Over Houston
Council Member Martin invites all Houstonians to Ellington Airport on Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20 for the Annual Wings Over Houston Airshow. This year, Wings Over Houston is honored to host, not just one, but two national military jet demonstration teams, the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. Both teams will put on jaw-dropping demonstrations highlighted by precision formation flying (separated by only a few feet) at hundreds of miles an hour.
Gates will open at 8:00 a.m. on both October 19 and 20. For more on the Wings Over Houston Airshow, including ticket information, please visit www.wingsoverhouston.com.
Upcoming Events
Please email the District E office if you would like us to include your upcoming event in future newsletters!
City Wides
October 1
National Night Out
Kingwood
October 5
Kingwood Electronic Waste Recycling
October 9
Kingwood Service Association Public Safety Committee
Council Member Dave Martin City of Houston, 900 Bagby, Houston, TX 77002
October 15
Kingwood PIP
October 16
Kingwood Super Neighborhood Meeting
October 17
Kingwood Lake Houston Area Fall Town Hall Meeting
October 21
Quarterly Huffman Public Safety