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When voters approved the 2018 Bond Program, it wasn’t just about building new infrastructure, it was also about restoring and protecting what Harris County already had. With more than $660 million secured for repair and maintenance alone, the county has taken a proactive approach to maintaining its aging flood control system, ensuring that past investments remain functional, efficient, and resilient.
The 2018 Bond Program includes 18 Bond IDs specifically dedicated to repair and maintenance projects. These cover everything from stormwater infrastructure repairs to major maintenance efforts under categories like Bond ID Z-StormRep, which includes 20 distinct projects, plus 17 other unique IDs.
In numbers
Here’s a snapshot of the progress:
- 6 Bond IDs completed
- 8 currently in engineering and design
- 4 now in construction
As of April 30, 2024, $194.7 million had been spent, with $242.3 million allocated to repair and maintenance activity, demonstrating a strong execution rate on budgeted work.
Adding to physical infrastructure repairs, Harris County has pursued an aggressive home buyout program to move residents out of the most flood-prone areas. As reported mid 2024, 1,150 voluntary and mandatory buyouts had been completed, an increase of 237 homes since January 2023, with 64 more in progress. Total buyout spending now exceeds $267 million.
Earlier in 2023, the Commissioners Court tasked the Flood Control District with developing a plan to complete the entire 2018 Bond Program using existing financial resources. This directive led to a strategic internal review aimed at improving:
- Scope clarity for all remaining Bond IDs
- Financial accuracy in cost estimation
- Minimizing deviation from the original program structure
- Maximizing equity and benefits in project outcomes
The result: a new path forward that strengthens fiscal responsibility while keeping long-term flood mitigation goals in focus.
Want to dive deeper into the repair and maintenance updates and see project-by-project data?
Check out the full July 2024 PDF update from the Harris County Flood Control District: View the Report