Planning in Deep Water: Preparing Texas' First State Flood Plan

After participating in this session, planners will be better prepared to engage in the task of preparing fifteen regional flood plans; helping their communities contribute data for their region's plan; understanding the State's planning objectives and opportunities for future mitigation funding.

By participating in this session, planners will understand the history behind Texas' first Flood Plans and the regional approach the state has chosen as the foundation for a statewide plan. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is administering this planning effort, which will assess the history and risk of flooding in the state, discover local and regional efforts to mitigate that flooding, and determine the future of flood planning in Texas. In a fast paced program over the course of 2021-22, fifteen (15) designated river basins in Texas are preparing regional flood plans. Plans are being prepared under the guidance of Regional Flood Planning Groups, with the assistance of professional engineering and planning teams. When complete, these Regional Flood Plans will form part of a larger overall strategy for the State.

During the planning process, local governments will be asked to share their own efforts to improve public safety and reduce damage resulting from floods. Draft Regional Flood Plans for each region will be available for comment next year. This effort is occurring at a very fast pace due to deadlines set out in the legislation. When complete, each plan will lead to improved baseline data on flood risk in each region and provide planners with information that can help them make critical decisions about future land use, growth and infrastructure investment. Planners can take an active role by ensuring their communities document their own needs and visions for new projects so that they will be eligible for financial assistance as the planning effort moves forward.