The Friendswood Regional Stormwater Detention Basin is moving closer to construction, with the project planning to bring additional stormwater storage capacity to the Clear Creek watershed.

During an August 11 virtual community engagement meeting, Harris County Flood Control District shared the latest project updates with residents, including the recommended design, funding sources, and an anticipated construction timeline. The project is currently in the design stage, with construction expected to begin in early 2027.

Creating More Room for Stormwater

Located near FM 1959 and Blackhawk Boulevard, the project covers 105 acres in Harris County Precinct 2 and the City of Friendswood.

The recommended design includes a dry-bottom stormwater detention basin with approximately 764 acre-feet of stormwater storage capacity.

During heavy rainfall, the basin will provide additional space to temporarily store excess stormwater from Clear Creek. By creating more room for stormwater during heavy rain events, the project will help reduce peak flows and lower water surface elevations in Clear Creek. Once water levels in the creek recede, or return to normal, the stored stormwater will eventually drain back into the channel.

Balancing Flood Risk Reduction and the Environment

As flood risk reduction projects are developed, the Flood Control District considers the natural and/or man-made environments surrounding them.

The recommended basin layout was developed to avoid jurisdictional wetlands and an area eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Maintaining environmental quality is one of the project’s key goals alongside increasing stormwater storage and supporting future improvements along Clear Creek.

Some work has already taken place at the site. Preliminary excavation was completed in August 2025, helping keep the project on schedule as it advances toward construction.

Working Together Across Clear Creek

Flooding does not stop at jurisdictional boundaries, which makes partnerships especially important in watersheds like Clear Creek.

The Friendswood Regional Stormwater Detention Basin project is being advanced in partnership with the City of Friendswood, Galveston County, and the Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District. The project is part of a larger, long-term effort to reduce flood risk along the lower Clear Creek watershed.

The estimated total cost to complete the project is approximately $32.5 million, including about $13.5 million from the 2018 Bond Program and $19 million in partnership funding.

These partnerships allow the Flood Control District the opportunity to coordinate investments and advance flood risk reduction projects that can provide benefits across communities and jurisdictional boundaries.

What Comes Next?

The project is expected to finalize design and be advertised for construction bids in the third quarter of 2026. 

Construction is anticipated to begin in the first quarter of 2027, with completion currently estimated for the first quarter of 2029.

Residents can continue following the Friendswood Regional Stormwater Detention Basin project, view meeting materials, and submit comments at hcfcd.org/Friendswood.

You can also follow the status, scope and budget of projects across the 2018 Bond Program at hcfcd.org/2018-bond-program.