It is a historic moment for Texas as we bring in our first ever Draft of the 2024 State Flood Plan. This flood plan covers and assesses the risks for the 15 outlined regions in the state and the different needs and requirements for each region.
It is estimated that 5 million people live in flood-prone areas. The state’s flood plan suggests billions of dollars more are needed for flood mitigation projects. This Draft of the flood plan will be presented to the state Legislature by September 1st, 2024.
The plan by the Texas Water Development Board (TWBD) is an effort to reduce the risk for those people by recommending solutions to harden Texas against floods and rising sea levels. The board was required to create the plan in a 2019 state law passed in response to Hurricane Harvey.
Of the 15 regions outlined in the flood plan, Montgomery County sits in Region 6 (San Jacinto). It is important to note that each of the state’s 254 counties has experienced at least one federally declared flood disaster, and approximately 17% of Texans (or one in six Texans) live or work in an annual flood hazard area.
The TWBD is looking for public feedback on the Draft of the 2024 State Flood Plan. You can submit your public comments here.
