The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Galveston District and Harris County Flood Control District have approved funds and scheduled an extension for the Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study, a study of different flood control projects to protect Houston and Harris County from future heavy rainfall and flood events.  The approval comes after Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) expressed support for the extension in a letter last year and after USACE received substantial public comment in support of the study.  

“Our community has shown overwhelming support for the study of underground tunnels as a way to alleviate the potential for flooding around the Addicks and Barker reservoirs and along Buffalo Bayou,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “I am glad the Army Corps of Engineers worked with our office and approved additional funds, allowing an extension for the Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study, which will enable the Corps to continue studying underground tunnels as a potential water conveyance solution.  I am grateful for the support of Harris County Commissioners Tom Ramsey and Jack Cagle in providing the funds necessary to complete the study and I look forward to seeing the results released next year.” 

Harris County Commissioners Tom Ramsey and Jack Cagle have provided a combined $3.367 million from their precincts for the Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works has approved the additional time and funds for the study.  This will allow for further examination of alternatives, including the development of a large-diameter, deep underground tunnel alternative for consideration in the study.