Last year, Hurricane Harvey hit Houston and flooded the city, causing detrimental damage to the city and its homes.
Exactly one year later on August 25, Houston residents will vote on a bill to decide whether to approve a $2.5 billion bond package that proponents say will deliver funds for crucial flood mitigation and prevention projects, reports CityLab contributor Tom Dart.
“We will not eliminate flooding, but we certainly can do everything we can to mitigate the risk of flooding. We must address our flooding infrastructure,” said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said at a press conference. “We cannot afford to wait any longer. We cannot afford to get this one wrong.”
There are 237 potential projects, including widening of bayous and channels, excavating stormwater detention basins, voluntary home buyouts, and engineering studies. The bond would not, however, pay for the construction of two big-ticket items on many wish lists—a third reservoir and a coastal barrier. According to a University of Houston poll, 62 percent of respondents back the bond. Harris County Clerk Stan Stanart estimated that turnout will be about 7.5 percent of the electorate.
Continue reading at CityLab for more information on the bill.
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