Advancing Flood Risk Reduction in the San Jacinto River Watershed

Flood risk reduction efforts continue across the San Jacinto River watershed as the Harris County Flood Control District advances several key projects designed to improve drainage and reduce flood risk for surrounding communities. A recent update to the San Jacinto River Authority highlighted ongoing construction, upcoming work, and long term planning in the area. The…

April 10, 20260Comments

Community

A Path to Public Service

For Dr. Tina Petersen, Executive Director of the Harris County Flood Control District, serving the community is the most meaningful part of her role. “What I love most about my job is getting to deliver on behalf of Harris County residents.” Her work focuses on helping move projects forward that reduce flood risk and support…

March 31, 20260Comments

Community

Leaders Discuss Flood Risk Reduction at Infrastructure Summit 2026

The Harris County Flood Control District recently joined regional leaders, industry professionals and community partners at Infrastructure Summit 2026, hosted by Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia on March 18, 2026. The event brought together stakeholders from across the Houston area to discuss collaborative approaches to infrastructure investment, resilience, and long term growth. The…

March 24, 20260Comments

Community

West University Officials Receive Update on Potential FEMA Flood Map Changes

Officials in West University Place recently received a briefing on potential updates to FEMA flood maps that could affect how flood risk is represented in the area. The presentation to the West University City Council focused on how updated rainfall data, improved terrain modeling, and completed flood risk reduction projects are influencing the next generation…

March 16, 20260Comments

Projects

Brookglen Stormwater Detention Basin Phase 2 is Underway

The Harris County Flood Control District, in partnership with the City of La Porte, began Phase 2 of the Brookglen Stormwater Detention Basin in early 2026. Located near Somerton Drive and Ashwyne Lane, this project is designed to help reduce the risk of flooding in the Brookglen subdivision The stormwater detention basin has been designed…

March 5, 20260Comments

Community

Flood Control District Projects Are Reducing Flood Risk and the Data Now Shows It

Updated draft FEMA floodplain maps show that thousands of Harris County residents are now mapped out of high-risk floodplain areas because of completed flood risk reduction projects. During a recent Harris County Commissioners Court meeting, Harris County Flood Control District leadership highlighted an important milestone: Updated draft FEMA floodplain maps now reflect the real impact…

February 25, 20260Comments

Community

When the Rain Keeps Falling: What It Means for Bayous and Flood Risk

Most people enjoy the occasional slow-paced rainy day. In Harris County, we typically see about 106 days with rainfall each year. Understanding how those rainfall totals add up over time and how stormwater moves throughout Harris County is key to understanding flood risk. A few inches of rain might not seem like much at first.…

February 18, 20260Comments

Community

Draft Floodplain Maps Released: What Residents Should Know

Yesterday, the Harris County Flood Control District provided an update to the Harris County Commissioners Court on newly released Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) draft floodplain maps. This morning, the conversation continued on local television. On February 13, 2026, Emily Woodell, Chief External Affairs Officer for the Flood Control District, joined FOX 26 Houston to…

February 13, 20260Comments

Community

Flood Control District Pushes for Clear, Transparent Review of Draft FEMA Maps

Draft floodplain maps for Harris County have officially been released, marking a major milestone in the MAAPNext mapping effort. During today’s Harris County Commissioners Court meeting, Dr. Tina Petersen, Executive Director of the Harris County Flood Control District, emphasized that while the maps are early in the process, the community will have time, access, and…

February 12, 20260Comments

Community

An Update on FEMA Draft Flood Maps

Last week, FEMA released draft floodplain mapping information to the 34 floodplain administrators in Harris County as part of the MAAPNext effort. MAAPNext is a FEMA-led initiative, supported by the Harris County Flood Control District to provide local expertise. These maps reflect changing conditions in Harris County, including a more than 30% increase in rainfall rates, updated topography and advanced modeling. These updates are…

February 12, 20260Comments