KINGWOOD, Texas - Governor Greg Abbott promised millions Thursday to help prevent future flooding in the Kingwood area.
He made the announcement after taking an aerial tour of the area, including the San Jacinto River.
“Some of the living, residential areas are still a disaster zone in need of either repair or demolition,” Abbott said.
Five feet of water ruined Cheryl Trobee’s home. She shared photos with KHOU 11 News taken during the height of Harvey and the rebuilding process that continues more than six months later.
“Some of our neighbors have been able to move in. There’s a lot of neighbors just starting the initial phase, and some people are selling their homes as is,” Trobee said.
Trobee was one of dozens who greeted the governor with posters and other signs demanding solutions.
Specifically, they wanted dredging of the San Jac River and clearing of sand bars and sediments he saw first-hand.
“To prevent future flooding,” Trobee said.
Abbott met with state and local leaders following his tour. He asked us to send a message to people outside.
“Go out and tell them that the governor promised millions of dollars today for dredging,” Abbott said.
Abbott said $3 million will be spent right now on the engineering and permitting process to determine exactly where dredging needs to occur.
“April showers bring May flowers, we need it now,” said one neighbor.
They hope this will be the last time any governor flies over a flood’s aftermath in Kingwood.
Here’s is more information on what Gov. Abbott announced regarding flood mitigation:
- Using Hazard Mitigation Funds, the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) has authorized $3 million to jumpstart the engineering and permitting process to determine where dredging should on the San Jacinto River.
- Using Hazard Mitigation Funds, TDEM has authorized $2 million for a regional study focused on the San Jacinto River watershed to prevent future flooding.
- Using Hazard Mitigation Funds, FEMA has approved over 900 voluntary buyouts in Harris County.
- Instructing the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to investigate and take action against sand mining operations violating regulations.
- Directing the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) to immediately identify what can be done to prevent flood events along the West Fork of the river.
- Directing the SJRA to implement immediate and long-term solutions to protect lives and property of Texans living in the watershed.
- Directing the SJRA to identify funding to implement a long-term plan that better protects areas downstream of Lake Conroe.