ICOnic News | Building a Resilient Future: Houston's Bold Flood Mitigation and Infrastructure Strategy
BUILDING A RESILIENT FUTURE: HOUSTON'S BOLD FLOOD MITIGATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY
During hurricane season, the popular topics of conversation in the Houston region revolve around flooding, drainage and infrastructure. The Houston region has had six major hurricanes or tropical storms over the last six decades, costing a combined over $180 billion in damage, business disruption and loss of life. After recovering from Hurricane Harvey, the City of Houston and the surrounding city and county municipalities started working together with funds from multiple sources to plan regional drainage for the future. Steve Costello, former Chief Recovery Officer for the City of Houston, spearheaded efforts to reduce our flood risk, implement a better stormwater management program, maximize green infrastructure and improve drainage systems.
At the CREW Luncheon this month, Steve discussed traditional methodologies that help to mitigate flood issues but commented, "Regional reduction plans are making a difference, but they take forever: 10 years minimum." Steve outlined how The City of Houston is approaching making a more aggressive and faster impact by focusing on hazard mitigation (flooding prevention) and has been working with $850 million in funds on various projects throughout the MSA. These include building out flood basins under golf courses, the North Canal project which is intended to lower downtown flooding by 4 feet, building a dam on Lake Houston, building a subterranean basin under a new school near Memorial City Mall, converting a land fill to detention in Southwest Houston and dredging projects. These projects are all part of the Build Houston Forward plan funded by property taxes, third party funds (i.e. Metro) and drainage fees.
The combination of all these projects and improvements come with a large price tag, but they are long term investments for the City of Houston and will make a dramatic difference in the Houston MSA to improve drainage systems, increase green stormwater infrastructure and deploy a comprehensive stormwater management plan in order to reduce flood risks, create better flood resilience and stabilize flood mitigation to create a safer, stronger and better prepared city for the future.
ANNUAL CRU GOLF TOURNAMENT
The CRU Golf Classic, an annual event held at the Woodlands Tournament Course has been a staple for the past 15 years, attracting roughly 100 golfers each year. ICO Commercial has participated in this event for the past decade and loves to support an amazing organization like CRU. As one of two key fundraisers for CRU, the tournament typically raises between $40,000 and $50,000, supporting the organization's mission of fostering small groups, engaging in service projects, and helping professionals develop both personally and spiritually. This commitment not only enriches the lives of participants, but also strengthens the community through meaningful connections and support.
For more information or to get involved with CRU click the link below.
