Pct. 2 meets with public on improving drainage

Pct. 2 official Jeremy Phillips explains drainage route to East Aldine board members Reyes Garcia and Gilbert Hoffman
Pct. 2 official Jeremy Phillips explains drainage route to East Aldine board members Reyes Garcia and Gilbert Hoffman.

ALDINE – Representatives from Harris County Precinct 2 met with the public last Thursday evening, to hear about the county’s plan to alleviate the severe flooding that has occurred in many neighborhoods around Aldine Mail Route and Lauder Road.

They specifically targeted the Western Homes and Magnolia Gardens subdivisioins north of Aldine Mail Route. Although the flooding can occur from normal rains, they said, it has become critical due to events such as the 500 year flood that accompanying Hurricane Harvey in September.

Precinct 2 Director of Infrastructure Jeremy Phillips, and engineering consultant Derek St. John, of the firm Lockwood Andrews & Newnam, showed drawings, maps, and slides of the proposed improved drainage for the area.

Also present at the meeting to hear from the public and receive comments, were representatives from the Harris County Flood Control District, and the Harris County Office of Housing & Community Services. These agencies had questionnaires and explained their services.

Phillips and St. John made a presentation, through slides and aerial maps, of solutions to the flooding problem that the county is planning for the area.

A federal CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) has been applied for, to improve an existing drainage channel, or ditch, that runs from Aldine Mail Route south to Halls Bayou.

See accompanying map, with a line showing the channel.

The CDBG grant, over a million dollars, would allow the county to use this right of way for a larger channel, and some construction to make it carry more water away during a flood. Phillips said that a detention pond in the area west of Aldine Westfield is also a consideration.

If the county is successful in receiving the grant, the project would take several years, requiring land acquisition, engineering studies, and construction. Phillips also explained the progress on a large detention pond known as the Lauder Basin, under construction northwest of Castlewood. He said this would also alleviate some flooding in the study area.

The Housing and Community Services Department asked residents to contact them with flooding information, and any needs for housing assistance. Their number is 832-927-4820. Forms for reporting information are also available at the East Aldine offices.