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Reconstruction will modernize 70-year-old channel and reduce flood risk in the Brays Bayou watershed
WHAT:
The Harris County Flood Control District, Harris County Precinct 1, and local, state, and federal partners will mark the start of construction on the $33 million Poor Farm Ditch Reconstruction Project, a major flood mitigation investment in the Brays Bayou watershed.
The project will reconstruct approximately 3,100 linear feet of Poor Farm Ditch between Bellaire Boulevard and University Boulevard. Crews will widen the channel from 28 feet to 40 feet and deepen it from 7.5 feet to 10 feet. The improvements will increase stormwater conveyance capacity from approximately a 10-year storm event to a 50-year storm event, increase the channel’s effective flow area by approximately 60% and avoid flooding impacts to surrounding areas.
Poor Farm Ditch was built in 1952 and was one of the first concrete-lined drainage channels in Harris County. After more than 70 years of service, the channel has exceeded its design life. The channel conveys stormwater from more than 1,330 acres in Southside Place and West University Place to Brays Bayou.
Construction will begin in late July. Crews will work in approximately 500-foot segments to reduce impacts on nearby residents. The project will take approximately four years to complete.
Federal, state, county and local partners funded the project, including federal Community Project Funding secured by U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, state legislative appropriations secured by the state delegation, local contributions from the cities of Southside Place and West University Place, and the Harris County Flood Control District’s 2018 Bond Program.
WHO:
U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, Texas’ 7th Congressional District
Andy Chan, Southside Place Mayor
Susan Sample, West University Place Mayor
Rodney Ellis, Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner
Marcus Y. Stuckett, P.E., CFM, Flood Control District Executive Director
WHEN:
Monday, July 13, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
WHERE:
Southside Place Community Garden
Behind Southside Place City Hall
6309 Edloe Street
Houston, TX 77005
About the Harris County Flood Control District
Overseeing one of the most comprehensive and complex flood management systems in the nation, the Harris County Flood Control District serves one of the largest, most populated, and most flood-prone areas in the nation: Harris County, Texas.
The Flood Control District manages 2,500 miles of channels, nearly 280 detention basins, and owns almost 12,000 acres of land. The agency’s mission is to plan, implement and maintain flood mitigation projects guided by community and natural values.
For more information, visit hcfcd.org.
For more information, contact:
Lorena Cozzari
External Communications Manager
832-614-4679 mobile
Lorena.Cozzari@hcfcd.hctx.net
The Flood Control District is continuing to make historic progress in flood risk reduction projects and maintenance efforts thanks to voter support and dedicated staff. Stay informed by following us on social media.