The Texas Water Development Board has given the green light for almost $130 million to assist the City of Dallas in controlling flooding on the Trinity River.
The funds from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) consist of a combination of grant money and financing from the state’s Flood Infrastructure Fund. reported KERA News reported that the funding is meant for building new levees, adding new pump stations, renovating existing ones, and removing old ones. It will also be used to enhance controls in the sump system.
In August of 2022, a significant flood struck Dallas following more than 13 inches of rain in just 18 hours. The flood caused destruction to homes and vehicles, leading to at least one fatality — a 60-year-old woman who lost her life when her vehicle was swept away by the heavy waters. flood Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins declared a state of disaster due to the flooding.
An estimated $6 billion in damages and economic losses resulted from the flood, as stated by Kathy Hopkins, TWDB grant coordinator manager, in a report by KERA. Hopkins noted that the 2022 flood was a motivating factor for the grant. declared The new levees would extend the existing ones from the Dallas Floodway Extension Project.
According to KERA News, the city council is expected to vote on whether to accept the $130 million in funding before this summer. If approved, construction on the new projects is projected to continue through 2031. loss In January, the TWDB will host the Water for Texas conference, bringing together industry experts and city leaders to discuss droughts, floods, Texas water policy, funding strategies, innovative solutions to water challenges, and water science and technology.
According to City officials, the city council is expected to vote on whether to accept the $130 million in funding before this summer, per KERA News. Construction on the new projects is anticipated to last through 2031 if approved.
In January, the TWDB will host the Water for Texas conference, bringing together industry experts and city leaders to discuss droughts, floods, Texas water policy, funding strategies, innovative solutions to water challenges, and water science and technology.
