Project Brays is designed to reduce the risk of flooding along Brays Bayou. According to the Project website, “Project Brays, is a cooperative effort between the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Benefiting thousands of residents and businesses along Brays Bayou, Project Brays is the largest, most significant flood damage reduction initiative ever to be managed by HCFCD.”
The website mentions neighborhoods within the Cities of Bellaire, Houston, Southside Place, West University Place, and others as those who will see advantages from Project Brays.
Mayor Friedberg, Council members, and others met with Harris County Flood Control District Federal Projects Manager Gary Zika for a tour down the Bayou and a deeper look into the flood control project. The Mayor discusses the benefits for Bellaire in his latest blog post. He says that when the project is completed “it will have lowered the water surface level in a 100-year flood event by two feet and the risk reduction from bringing the Bayou back within its banks will also support lower flood insurance rates.” He also states that “when the rate map (FIRM) is redrawn to take Project Brays into account, nearly all of Bellaire should be removed from the 100-year floodplain.”
However, due to Harvey, and other extreme events, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is expected to redefine a 100-year storm and that could put Bellaire back in the floodplain.
Read the Mayor’s full blog post here.
Read about Project Brays here.
