Harris County CDBG – Mitigation

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

Ralston Acres Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain or Wetland
To: All interested Federal, State, and Local Agencies, Groups and Individuals

This is to give notice that the Harris County Housing and Community Development (HCHCD) under Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Orders 11988 and 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded with Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (DR) funds for 2017 Mitigation under GLO Contract # 22-129-000-D405 from HUD Grant # B-18-DP-48-0002.

The proposed Harris County Engineering Department (HCED) project includes upsizing existing storm sewers, regrading roadside ditches, and creating two detention ponds to hold stormwater. The project serves the Ralston Acres Subdivision and adjoining areas, as well as businesses located along John Ralston Road located north of Beaumont Hwy (BUS 90), south of Green River Dr, east of John Ralston Rd, and west of C. E. King Pkwy in Harris County TX, 77044. The project center point is at 29.832460°, -95.223006°

Approximately 14.31 acres (12.08 acres in the 100-year SFHA Zone AE and 2.23 acres in the 500-year floodplain) of the drainage improvement footprint are in the FFRMS Floodplain, as indicated on FEMA FIRM Panel Number 48201C0705M, effective on January 6, 2017. None of the project areas are in the floodway.

A wetland delineation was conducted and submitted to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in a report dated August 2021. A total of 6.73 acres of wetland and 0.57 acres of stream were identified within the project area. On January 31, 2022, a letter was received from USACE-Galveston stating that no jurisdictional wetlands are present. The letter also noted that the two tributaries fall under jurisdiction; consequently, a Nationwide Permit application for outfalls into these areas has been submitted. This project is not considered a critical action under 24 CFR Part 55.

Harris County has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values:

Alternative 1 (Proposed Action)-Two wet Bottom Basins w/culvert and ditch upgrades
Upsizing of residential storm sewer and the creation of two detention basins in undeveloped land west of the subdivision. The northern pond (pond A) would have 50.88 ac-ft of capacity and outfall into P117-00-00. Pond B will have a capacity of 22.90 ac-ft and outfall into P115-00-00.

This proposed alternative will improve the floodplain by improving floodwater retention, floodwater drainage, water quality, and evapotranspiration. Hydrologic analysis shows no adverse impacts to flood conditions of the receiving waters. The wet=bottom design create

  • Detention location minimizes disruption and hazards to surrounding community
  • Maximizes potential detention volume
  • Location relative to receiving water maximizes effectiveness
  • Offsets loss of wetland habitat
  • Would require use of undeveloped land to achieve needed storage capacity

Mitigation:
Anticipated standard erosion control measures for the detention basin are as follows:

  • Vegetated slopes
  • Rip rap at the inflow area and along the treatment flow path
  • Concrete overflow weir
  • Creating a buffer zone by minimizing impact to riparian forest

Alternative 2 Upsize culverts with 2 dry bottom detention ponds:
Upsizing of residential storm sewer and the creation of two detention basins at in a wooded lot immediately east of the project area. The northern basin would be along P117-00-00 and have a capacity of 6.2 ac-ft. The southern basin would be along P115-00-00 and have a 10 ac-ft capacity.

a) Basins would need to be placed within non-jurisdictional wetlands.

b) Minimal wetland preservation compared to larger pond size

c) Would require undeveloped land to achieve needed storage capacity.

Alternative 3 Upsize culverts and inline detention:
Upsize driveway culvers and widen ditches to create in-line detention.

a) Inadequate storage capacity within ROW

b) Would still require undeveloped land to achieve the needed storage capacity

c) Flooded ditches create a potential safety hazard.

Alternative 4: No Action Alternative:
The No Action Alternative refers to continuing existing conditions without implementing the proposed project. The Council on Environmental Quality’s National Environmental Policy Act implementing regulations (40 CFR § 1502.14) require consideration of the No Action Alternative, which serves as a benchmark against which federal actions can be evaluated. Under the No Action Alternative, no project would be constructed, and the potential beneficial or adverse environmental impacts identified in this Environmental Assessment would not occur. The No Action Alternative fails to meet the purpose and need of mitigating flood risk within the Pine Trails Subdivision by providing additional system capacity. Under the No Action Alternative, area residents and businesses would continue to be affected by area flooding. Extreme flood events in this area would continue to result in lost wages, damage to homes and businesses, mobility disruptions, and potential exposure to health risks associated with standing water.

Based on the above analysis, HCED considers Alternative 1 the Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative (LEDPA).

Because of all the factors mentioned above, Harris County will be able to make a Finding of No Significant Impacts, using the preferred alternative. Harris County will ensure compliance with state and local floodplain/wetland protection procedures.

Harris County has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain/wetland and has determined that no practicable alternative exists. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Orders 11988 and 11990 are available for public inspection, review, and copying upon request at the times and locations delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments.

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains/wetlands and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains/wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains/wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be submitted to the Housing and Community Development, 1111 Fannin St, 9th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002 and (832) 927-8230, Attention: Thao Costis, Executive Director. Comments may also be submitted via email at DRplancomments@harriscountytx.gov during the 7-day public comment period beginning on July 16, 2024, and ending on July 23, 2024, at 5:00 pm. Full descriptions of the projects may also be reviewed from Monday - Friday during business hours, 8 A.M. – 5 P.M., at the same address as above.

(Public Notice - Ralston Acres Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain or Wetland)



PUBLIC NOTICE

North Forest Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain or Wetland
To: All interested Federal, State, and Local Agencies, Groups and Individuals

This is to give notice that the Harris County Housing and Community Development (HCHCD) under Part 58 has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Orders 11988 and 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded with Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (DR) funds for 2017 Mitigation under GLO Contract # 22-129-000-D405 from HUD Grant # B-18-DP-48-0002.

The proposed Harris County Engineering Department (HCED) project includes construction to upsize 700 linear feet of existing residential storm sewer pipe, improve drainage on an additional 6045 ft of roadway and sidewalk, and create a 106 ac-ft wet-bottom detention pond complex (center point 30.000339°, -95.434907°) surrounded by a 4283ft trail. The project serves the North Forest Subdivision, located north of West Richey Rd, south of FM 1960, east of Ella Blvd, and west of Interstate 45 in Harris County, TX, 77090. The project center point is at 30.003434°, -95.437395°.

A portion of the project area is in the 500-year Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), as indicated on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Panel Numbers 48201C0265M, 48201C0270M, 48201C0460M (effective 10/16/2013), and 48201C0455L (effective 6/18/2007). 15.38 acres are located within the 500-year Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain. 3.56 acres are located within the 100-year FEMA floodplain. None of the project is located within the FEMA Regulatory Floodway. The remainder is located outside FEMA-mapped floodplains. This project is not considered a critical action under 24 CFR Part 55.

A wetland delineation was conducted in July 2021. On September 6, 2022, USACE-Galveston sent a letter stating that no jurisdictional wetlands are present. The delineation identified 6.91 acres of wetlands within the proposed detention basin site.

Harris County has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and preserve natural and beneficial values:

Alternative 1 (Proposed Action-Two Dry Bottom Basins with Storm Sewer Upgrades
Upsizing of residential storm sewer and creating a detention basin in undeveloped land south of the subdivision. The basin would have 106 ac-ft of capacity. Stormwater will outfall into HCFCD channel P145-03-03.

This proposed alternative will improve the floodplain by improving floodwater retention, drainage, water quality, and evapotranspiration. Hydrologic analysis shows no adverse impacts on the flood conditions of the receiving waters. The detention basin's side slopes will be grass-lined, and the bottom will contain reinforced concrete pilot channels, but it will otherwise be stabilized with standard turf vegetation.

  • Detention location preserves the community by avoiding home buy-outs
  • Location relative to receiving water maximizes effectiveness
  • Would require the use of undeveloped land to achieve needed storage capacity.

Mitigation:
Anticipated standard erosion control measures for the detention basin are as follows:

  • Vegetated slopes
  • Rip rap at the inflow area and along the treatment flow path
  • Concrete overflow weir
  • Creating a buffer zone by minimizing impact to riparian forest

Alternative 2:
Replacement of 1850 linear feet of residential storm sewer and creating two detention basins. Pond A would be located SW of the intersection of Ella Blvd and P145-03-03 with a capacity of 103 acre-feet. Pond B would be located south of the subdivision between Deer Lick Dr and Calvin Rd with a 52 ac-ft capacity. One pond in the undeveloped area is west of the subdivision and has a 55 ac-ft capacity.

a) Requires five parcels to be purchased

b) Would disturb plugged oil wells

c) Would require use of 2 areas of undeveloped land to achieve needed storage capacity.

Alternative 3:
Dividing the existing system into two sections. The first section would maintain the current drainage pathway. The second would flow into a new 90-ac ft wet-bottom pond south of the subdivision.

a) Would not efficiently convey water away from the subdivision

Alternative 4: No Action Alternative:
The No Action Alternative refers to continuing existing conditions without implementing the proposed project. The Council on Environmental Quality’s National Environmental Policy Act implementing regulations (40 CFR § 1502.14) require consideration of the No Action Alternative, which serves as a benchmark against which federal actions can be evaluated. Under the No Action Alternative, no project would be constructed, and the potential beneficial or adverse environmental impacts identified in this Environmental Assessment would not occur. The No Action Alternative fails to meet the purpose and need of mitigating flood risk within the Pine Trails Subdivision by providing additional system capacity. Under the No Action Alternative, area residents and businesses would continue to be affected by area flooding. Extreme flood events in this area would continue to result in lost wages, damage to homes and businesses, mobility disruptions, and potential exposure to health risks associated with standing water.

Based on the above analysis, HCED considers Alternative 1 the Least Environmentally Damaging Practicable Alternative (LEDPA).

Because of all the factors mentioned above, Harris County will be able to make a Finding of No Significant Impacts, using the preferred alternative. Harris County will ensure compliance with state and local floodplain/wetland protection procedures.

Harris County has reevaluated the alternatives to building in the floodplain/wetland and has determined that no practicable alternative exists. Environmental files that document compliance with steps 3 through 6 of Executive Orders 11988 and 11990 are available for public inspection, review, and copying upon request at the times and locations delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments.

There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplains/wetlands and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplains/wetlands can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplains/wetlands, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk.

Written comments must be submitted to the Housing and Community Development, 1111 Fannin St, 9th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002 and (832) 927-8230, Attention: Thao Costis, Executive Director. Comments may also be submitted via email at DRplancomments@harriscountytx.gov during the 7-day public comment period beginning on July 15, 2024, and ending on July 22, 2024, at 5:00 pm. Full descriptions of the projects may also be reviewed from Monday - Friday during business hours, 8 A.M. – 5 P.M., at the same address as above.

(Public Notice - North Forest Final Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in a 100-Year Floodplain or Wetland)




Infrastructure Program: Project Status

The initial proposed project list for CDBG-MIT applications were submitted to Harris County Commissioners Court in August 2023 and were approved unanimously. Formal applications will be submitted to the GLO on a rolling basis beginning in February 2024. The GLO must formally review and approve the proposed projects. Please see project list below:

Substantially Complete Project Applications:

North Forest (Precinct 1) Project Overview

Ralston Acres (Precinct 1) Project Overview

Pine Trails (Precinct 2) Project Overview

Cypress Creek (Precinct 3) Project Overview

Dowdell Woods (Precinct 3) Project Overview

Barwood (Precinct 3) Project Overview

Tower Oaks (Precinct 3) Project Overview

Chimney Rock / Anderson Park Project Overview


Upcoming Project List:*

  • Evacuations Routes & Signal Improvements (Precinct 4)

*Applications for the project above are still under development with the GLO. Once they reach a level of that is substantially complete they will also undergo a Public Notice at a future date. 



Planning Study Program: Project Status

The CDBG-MIT planning study program was developed through the MOD process in order to help Harris County move toward a more holistic plan for resiliency. Each planning study will produce a public document and/or other key deliverables to lay out community findings for future success, as well as specific identified issues, solutions, high impact projects for implementation, and funding strategies. The proposed project will help promote sound, sustainable mitigation planning informed by the evaluation of flood hazard risk. The initial proposed project list for CDBG-MIT applications was submitted to Harris County Commissioners Court in September 2023, updated July 2024, and were approved unanimously.1 This effectively allocated $29.5 million to be used to help facilitate an organized County-wide effort to analyze planning activities that will enhance programs, operations, and knowledge for recovery, resiliency, and mitigation.

Formal applications will be submitted to the GLO on a rolling basis beginning in April 2024. The GLO must formally review and approve the proposed projects. Please see project list below:


Substantially Complete Project Applications:

Recover Plans: Update to Emergency Support Function

Spring Stuebner Road Critical Transportation Corridor Study (from Hwy 99 to IH 45)

Louetta Road Critical Transportation Corridor Study (from Hwy 249 to IH 45)

Harris County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan

Master Drainage Plan

Evacuation Routes Study

Cypress Creek Overflow Analysis

Winfield Basin

Halls Bayou Watershed Flood Risk Analysis Study

NE Harris County Neighborhoods Assessment 

Upper Brays Bayou Watershed Feasibility Study

Spring Branch Sub-watershed Feasibility Study

Clear Creek Watershed Tributary Feasibility Study

Upper Greens Bayou Watershed Tributary Feasibility Study

Hunting Bayou Watershed Feasibility Study

Lower Cypress Creek Watershed Tributary Feasibility Study

White Oak Bayou Watershed Feasibility Study

Slims Bayou Watershed Tributary Feasibility Study

City of Seabrook: Zoning Ordinance Re-write Update Project


Upcoming Project List:*

Environmental Monitoring, Testing, and Environmental Justice in Low-Moderate Income Enhancement Study

Harris County Resident Resiliency Study

Langham Creek (@Clay Road) Flood Study

PCT4 Flooded Intersections

*Applications for the project above are still under development with the GLO. Once they reach a level of that is substantially complete they will also undergo a Public Notice at a future date. 



CDBG-MIT Background

Following the devastating impacts of flooding from the 2015, 2016, and 2017 extreme weather flooding events, the state of Texas received an allocation of Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

CDBG-MIT funds represent unique opportunity to provide assistance in areas impacted by recent disasters and carry out strategic and high-impact activities to mitigate disaster risks and reduce future losses in areas impacted by recent disasters. HUD defines mitigation activities as: “Those activities that increase resilience to disasters and reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of loss of life, injury, damage to and loss of property, and suffering and hardship, by lessoning the impact of future disasters.”

The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has been designated to administer the CDBG-MIT funds on behalf of Texas. GLO’s CDBG Mitigation Action Plan: Building Stronger for a Resilient Future (the Action Plan) outlines the use of funds, programs, eligible applicants, and eligibility criteria for these CDBG-MIT funds.

GLO’s Mitigation State Action Plan

Method of Distribution

On March 31, 2022, the Texas General Land Office (GLO) approved Harris County’s Method of Distribution (MOD) for the allocation of $750,000,000 in CDBG-MIT funding to help mitigate and increase future resilience from the adverse impacts posed by hurricanes, tropical storms and depressions, flooding, wind and other hazards to develop disaster-resistant infrastructure. The approved CDBG-MIT MOD includes the amount of funding for eligible entities to carry out risk mitigation projects.

Approved CDBG-MIT Method of Distribution

Developing the Method of Distribution

Developing-MOD-Figure-1024x1024

On November 1, 2023, a contractual amendment was signed between Harris County and the GLO which effectively repositioned a portion of the original $750 million allocation directly to the Harris County Flood Control District. As a direct recipient, the Harris County Flood Control District directly administers $502.5 million in CDBG-MIT and $302 million in CDBG-DR towards eligible Flood Control District Projects. For more information, click here: Harris County Flood Control CDBG Projects

Citizen Participation Plan

If you are interested in being included on the ‘Interested Party’ emailing list, please send an email to drplancomments@csd.hctx.net or call (832) 927-8200 to request being included on the list.