Hurricane Harvey in 2017 Led to Serious Flooding within Harris and the Surrounding Counties
Many residents are very concerned with the recent flooding that has occurred in our general area over the past several years and have some questions about this problem. Unfortunately, Harris County (the “County”) representatives are actively attempting to shift responsibility for maintenance of existing storm drainage facilities from the County to the Municipal Utility Districts (“MUDs”). The County has failed to adequately maintain much of the existing storm drainage facilities, yet is seeking a cost-sharing agreement with the MUDs that will lead to double taxation. This has happened on several occasions regarding existing drainage facilities that are in need of maintenance. The County and/or the Harris County Flood Control District (as administered by the County) is responsible for, among other things, the control, regulation, and distribution of the storm and flood waters within its jurisdictions. The Drainage Facilities are with the County’s jurisdiction. Several governmental entities have responsibility for different infrastructures. Harris County Precinct 4, www.hcp4.net (713) 755-6444, owns and maintains the roads, storm sewers and drainage ditches. Harris County Flood Control District, www.hcfcd.org (713) 684-4000 is a department of the County and maintains some detention ponds and all major drainage bayous and creeks. Faulkey Gully MUD (the “District”), www.faulkeygullymud.com, maintains and owns the water and sanitary sewer systems. Questions pertaining to flooding issues should be directed to Harris County Precinct 4 and Harris County Flood Control District. The District from time to time works with these other agencies to help solve problems that involve the District’s facilities, such as relocation of a conflicting water or sewer line due to traffic signal installation or new road construction. The District desires nothing more than to work harmoniously with the County and Flood Control in furtherance of the entities’ separate and distinct responsibilities. It is the District’s sincere hope that this goal can and will be achieved.