By Tom Douglas
The Harris County Flood Control District is currently requesting public comments on its SAFER (Solutions for Advancing Floodplain Evaluation and Resilience) Study. This is a good opportunity to comment because the study is currently in its early “scoping” phase, during which the elements of the project are still being defined.
The process for the SAFER Study differs somewhat from other flooding studies in two ways: (1) Instead of dealing with one specific project, it considers many different interrelated projects as a holistic unit, and (2) Instead of being conducted from beginning to end by the US Army Corps of Engineers, it is being headed up by our local flood control agency. This study is independent of the Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resiliency Study, which was developed under the traditional US Army Corps of Engineers-led process, and which was met by much controversy when it was released. The hope is that by soliciting increased public input early in the SAFER Study, a plan can be developed that is more likely to meet with public approval and eventual federal funding.
This project will include 11 of our region’s 23 primary watersheds: Brays Bayou, Buffalo Bayou, Clear Creek, Cypress Creek, Greens Bayou, Halls Bayou, Hunting Bayou, Little Cypress Creek, Sims Bayou, Vince Bayou, and White Oak Bayou.
Map Courtesy of Harris County Flood Control District
Harris County Flood Control has recently completed a series of in-person and virtual meetings to inform the public about the SAFER Study. If you were able to attend, then you will be well-equipped to comment on the Study. If not, you can still view a short video at the above link and see most of the materials that were presented during the meetings at the Study Guide website.
Now is a good time in this multi-year project to make your wishes known. Comments received at this phase can help to shape the alternatives that will eventually go into the plan. There will be other opportunities for public comment later on: one when the Draft Feasibility Report and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) have been completed, and another following completion of the Final Feasibility Report and EIS.
You can submit your written comments by email to comments@theSAFERstudy.org, fill out an online Comment Form, or submit a voice comment about your personal experiences with flooding. However you choose to comment, don’t wait long – the deadline for comments at this early stage of the process is September 25, 2025.
Flooding Caused by Hurricane Harvey