The work of the Harris County Flood Control District goes far beyond the construction residents may see along a bayou or channel. Across Harris County, teams are planning projects, maintaining infrastructure, monitoring conditions, engaging with communities, and working to reduce flood risk.

Executive Director Marcus Y. Stuckett, P.E., CFM, says helping residents better understand that work is an important part of the Flood Control District’s mission.

“One thing I’d like the residents of Harris County to know is that, as a Flood Control District, we are here to help,” Stuckett said. “We are here to listen. We want to be transparent.”

Making the Work Easier to See

At any given time, projects and maintenance activities are underway across Harris County. Some of that work is easy to spot. Other efforts, including planning, engineering, monitoring, and project development, may happen before construction equipment arrives.

“A lot of times, people don’t see trucks moving around and things happening, but there’s always someone out in the Harris County Flood Control District doing something that’s beneficial for the residents,” Stuckett said.

The Flood Control District manages approximately 2,500 miles of bayous and channels and more than 300 stormwater detention basins.

Why It Matters

Harris County is a low-lying region that can experience flooding from hurricanes, tropical systems and other heavy rainfall events.

“The work is important because, in Houston, we’re in a low-lying area,” Stuckett said. “We have hurricanes. We have large normal rain events that aren’t hurricanes, and we see a lot of flooding.”

While flooding cannot be completely prevented, Flood Control District projects and maintenance efforts can help reduce flood risk by moving and temporarily storing stormwater.

Stuckett said communication and responsiveness will continue to be priorities as that work moves forward.

“We’re going to work on being responsive,” Stuckett said. “We’re going to work on communicating and making sure that we implement projects and are responsible with the money of the people of Harris County.”

Watch Director Stuckett’s comments HERE and visit hcfcd.org to learn more about Flood Control District projects, maintenance activities, watersheds, and flood risk reduction efforts across Harris County.