Friendswood City Council opened its November 2 meeting with a quarterly drainage report that highlighted a growing flood‑risk problem in Clear Creek, a waterway that runs through the Houston‑area suburb. Council members said the data and proposed projects are critical for protecting homes and businesses downstream.
According to a study by the Disaster Data Reconnaissance Center at Texas A &M University, more than 16.7 million cubic yards of sediment have accumulated in Clear Creek, along with thousands of hazardous objects. The inventory listed 489 tires, 1,928 trees, one automobile and nine shipwrecks. The study attributed 80 % of the sediment to storm events and the remaining 20 % to construction runoff.
City engineer Maura Blackburn briefed council members on several mitigation projects. The Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) received construction bids in October for a regional storm‑water basin to be built near the intersection of Blackhawk Boulevard and FM 1959. Although the basin’s construction is slated to begin in early 2027, the Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District has withdrawn its $32 million financial commitment.
Friendswood is also advancing two detention ponds that will serve the upcoming City Center development. Excavation for both ponds is largely complete, and the city is now focusing on building a bridge near the ponds and completing landscaping. Adjacent to these basins, a joint city‑HCFCD terracing and storm‑water detention basin is under way, adding further capacity to manage runoff.
Council member Robert Griffon presented the Texas A&M findings, while Council member Michael Ross stressed the need for ongoing coalitions, noting, “This is a marathon, not a sprint. Multiple agencies are involved, and we must build partnerships to fund and build these solutions.” The Gulf Coast Counties Drainage District (GCCDD) will partner with engineering firm HDR to evaluate the study, hoping to re‑engage the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which stepped back from local projects after environmental disputes.
What’s next: The regional storm‑water basin is expected to break ground in early 2027, pending renewed funding. Friendswood officials will continue to seek financial support from regional partners and will revisit the project’s budget at the next council meeting in early 2025.
Sources: communityimpact.com
