Unauthorized Access on District Facilities

FBCLID 11 residents,

As many of you are aware, our levee, pump stations, and drainage detention facilities provide drainage, flood control and protection for homes within the District’s boundaries from the Brazos River 100-year floodplain. We have recently experienced an unusual amount of ATV’s driving on the levee, which is unauthorized access and activity. This type of activity is illegal primarily because of the damage that it causes to the levee and drainage system. Here are some examples of damage created by ATV activity:

The ATV tears up the surface and vegetation on the top of the levee leaving ruts behind. Water can stand in these ruts and create structural problems with the underlying levee. Additionally, the grass is essential to protect the levee from erosion which can also damage the structural integrity of the levee.

Per state law, in particular, Texas Water Code § 49.217, the use of motorized vehicles on District drainage facilities is prohibited and classified as a Class C misdemeanor for first time offenders and a Class B misdemeanor after the first offense.

It is imperative the District’s drainage facilities not be compromised or damaged by motorized vehicles. The Board of Directors has contacted the City of Sugar Land’s Police Department requesting that they regularly patrol District facilities and issue citations to violators. The District has signs posted along District facilities throughout Greatwood notifying the public that use of motorized vehicles on District land is prohibited.

If you observe any violations or unauthorized access to District facilities, please contact the City of Sugar Land Police Department’s non-emergency line at 281-275-2020.

New Federal Flood Insurance Information

New FEMA Risk Rating 2.0 for Flood Insurance Premiums

Change Effective 10/1/21

FBCLID 11 residents,

A question that many residents have asked FBCLID 11, is “Even though I live behind a levee, should I still buy flood insurance?” While each resident must make that decision for themselves, LID 11 strongly recommends that every homeowner purchase flood insurance. Whether you have insurance already or are considering purchasing insurance, there is new information that you need to know.

Historically, FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, would determine the flood risk of property based on published Flood Insurance Rate Maps. The maps, or FIRMs, would show different flood factors and flood risk potential which they would use to set the rates of flood insurance. This methodology has not changed in over 50 years, but the change is coming, effective October 1, 2021. FEMA’s new method called Risk Rating 2.0 utilizes newer technology available to assess the flood risk of a property.

Using Risk Rating 2.0, FEMA estimates that 14% of Texas residents with an existing flood insurance policy will see an immediate decrease in their flood insurance premium; 79% of Texas residents with an existing flood insurance policy will see an immediate increase in their flood insurance premium that could be as much as $120 per year; 3% of Texas residents with an existing flood insurance policy will see an immediate increase in their flood insurance premium of $120 to $140 per year; and 4% of Texas residents with an existing flood insurance policy will see an immediate increase in their flood insurance premium greater than $240 per year. These FEMA estimates are for the first effective year and are averages only.

We do not yet know how Risk Rating 2.0 will impact flood insurance prices in Fort Bend County LID 11. We do not know which category of premium change will include the District or your home. However, if you already have flood insurance, FEMA says you will be grandfathered into how fast your flood insurance premium can increase. Under current law, it is federally mandated that a flood insurance premium cannot increase by more than 18% per year and FEMA indicates that they will abide by this rule.

However, we cannot guarantee any specific information about FEMA’s program or how future increases will be applied.

As Board members, we encourage you to get flood insurance now. Contact your home insurance provider. Since a flood insurance policy takes 30 days to go into effect, you must purchase your policy by September 1, 2021, for your policy to become effective prior to the effective date of Risk Rating 2.0.

Additional information regarding Risk Rating 2.0 can be found at Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action | FEMA.gov. We encourage you to visit the FEMA website and/or talk to your insurance agent as soon as possible.

Replacement of Fencing Along Levee

The District has received several inquiries regarding the replacement of fencing along the levee.

Certain sections of existing white tube steel fences were removed as part of the levee raising project. The levee raising resulted in changes to the fencing angles and connections.

When deciding on the type of replacement fencing, the Board considered the cost of fabricating new tube steel fencing, as well as maintaining the existing tube steel fencing. Based on the cost difference, the Board elected to install corral style fencing. The corral style fencing will be painted dark green and the project, including the installation of gates, is expected to be completed by February 1, 2021.

As part of the project, we are looking at whether new fencing at certain locations is appropriate.