HOUSTON – Already this year, we have had a good number of strong storms – many that have flooded streets and homes. And certainly, Houston is no stranger to the issues of flooding but a new state-wide flood plan shows just how many people are susceptible to it.
WATCH: Houston area’s severe storm story told in video
This is the state’s first-ever flood plan more than 5 million people or 1-in-6 people live or work in an area that is susceptible to flooding. In Champion Forest, for example, KPRC 2 reporter Bill Barajas spoke with neighbors Tuesday after the storms battered through, causing flooding.
The plan, which came out early this month, estimates that close to 1.3 million Texas homes are in flood-prone areas. The Texas Water Development Board came up with the plan and says it’s an effort to reduce the risk for those people (in those flood-prone areas) by coming up with solutions to safeguard Texas against more floods and rising sea levels.
MORE: Texas’ first-ever statewide flood plan estimates 5 million live in flood-prone areas
There are several ideas to help with the flooding some of the recommendations, include, flood mitigation projects. Which could cost up to $49 billion, but more than half would go toward the Ike Dike project, a coastal barrier that would help protect our region from storm surges during hurricanes.
SEE ALSO: How strong were the wind gusts during Tuesday’s severe weather?
The public can make comments in Austin during a meeting on May 30, 2024, and submit them online. The board will have a plan to deliver to the legislature by September 1.
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