Yesterday, Rep. John Culberson’s office posting the following press release regarding funding for flood projects in Harris County:
Congressman John Culberson (TX-07) successfully requested increased funding for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood and storm damage reduction activities in the fiscal year 2018 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill. The $1.8 billion in funding, an increase of $74 million from fiscal year 2017 enacted levels, will help complete Army Corps of Engineers flood and storm damage reduction projects in Texas’ 7th Congressional District. Congressman Culberson also included language in the legislation to prioritize funding for reimbursement projects such as Brays Bayou.
“Flooding continues to be a major threat to the Houston area. While many lifesaving flood control projects are already underway, it’s important that these projects continue to have the funding necessary to be completed on schedule,” Congressman Culberson said.
“I’d like to thank Chairman Mike Simpson for including my requests in the Energy and Water Appropriations bill. By including $1.8 billion for flood and storm damage reduction in this legislation, projects important to Harris County will have the opportunity to receive funding to ensure their timely construction. Also, by including language to prioritize reimbursement flood control projects, Project Brays Bayou will be highlighted for priority completion, which is crucial for my constituents.”
The House Committee on Appropriations approved the FY18 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill by voice vote.
Houston and the surrounding areas experienced large scale flooding on Memorial Day 2015, and Tax Day 2016. The Memorial Day flood is the 14th most costly flood in American history. Congressman Culberson has consistently worked with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Harris County Flood Control District, and the City of Houston to ensure these entities have the resources needed to complete flood control projects in the Houston area.
Notably, there was no mention of the White Oak Bayou watershed. I contacted Rep. Culberson this afternoon to express my concern:
I hope you’ll join me by contacting Rep. Culberson to express your concerns about the lack of focus by his office on Jersey Village and other homes within the White Oak Bayou watershed. Rep. Culberson can be contacted at rep.culberson@mail.house.gov.
