
By Zach Maxwell
Around 75 people attended a second public input session in the Aldine area, concerning the upcoming $2.5 billion bond election to help prevent future flooding in Houston.
The meeting was hosted by the East Aldine District and Pine Village North Public Utility District. Officials from Harris County Flood Control District as well as a flood expert from Rice University gave presentations.
But those who attended and addressed the speakers were mainly concerned with neighborhood-level drainage concerns. The bond issue, if passed in an Aug. 25 vote, will provide funds for much larger, city-wide projects to stem flooding along well-known high water zones including Greens and Halls bayous.
Jim Blackburn, a Rice University professor and founding member of the Bayou City Initiative, said these northside watersheds were often overlooked when federal funds were made available for past flood mitigation projects. The upcoming bond issue has specific wording to include previously overlooked areas and low-income areas, said State Rep. Armando Walle.
Walle said there will be at least $100 million for a variety of proposed projects on Halls and Greens, including home buyouts, drainage repairs and additional retention ponds such as the one underway on Lauder Road.