Pumps Stations are Operational

For everybody asking us to “turn on the pumps” please understand that the pumps have been on for the last 48 hours. We have received over three inches of rain in a 2 hour period. The inlets and storm sewers are inundated. The streets are ponding.

To be perfectly clear, the pumps stations are on and operational.

Be safe out there.

Brazos River Forecast Update – 12/7 @ 9 AM

The WGRFC has issued a forecast for the majority of the gage locations in the lower Brazos River Watershed. The 7:44 AM published forecast shows the Brazos River in Richmond hitting Gage 42 feet on Wednesday, December 12 around 6 AM. As shown on the graphic, the elevation of 42 feet is at the end of the current forecast window. This means that the current forecast does not necessarily represent the final peak that could occur in Richmond. The final peak will depend on the actual amount of rainfall that will occur in the watershed. We will continue to watch the local conditions in Fort Bend County, but also the conditions upstream. Currently, the WGRFC is forecasting Hempstead to hit 52.1 and San Felipe to hit 120.6.

As of this morning, the NWS is continuing to show heavy rain hitting the Greater Houston Area starting later today. The region has the potential to receive between 2” to 5” with isolated amounts between 8” to 10”. With these totals and the short duration, we have an increased risk of street ponding with local rises in our creeks and streams occurring Friday night. This is particularly the case in areas with a history of ponding and/or poor conveyance.

LID 11 Bond Issue Upcoming Drainage Improvements and 2018 Tax Rate

As you know, our LID provides flood protection from the 100-year flood event on the Brazos River. The District operates and maintains a levee, storm water pump stations, drainage ditches, and detention ponds. The only source of funds to construct, operate, and maintain the system is through tax dollars paid by the residents and commercial properties within LID 11.

Through careful planning and preparation, as well as a little bit of luck, LID 11 weathered Hurricane Harvey without any loss of property. Even though the District fared well, after Hurricane Harvey, the directors and consultants for LID 11 reviewed the overall system to determine what improvements could be made to the system which would provide additional protection for future events.

After reviewing the possible improvements, the directors determined the projects that would be implemented. In order to fund the costs of the design and construction of these improvements, the District sold $13,850,000 in bonds. Below is a brief summary of our drainage system and new projects to improve flood protection, as well as a description how we pay for these new improvements.

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