Since mid-July, the Army Corps of Engineers has been assembling roughly five miles of pipe to reach the areas to dredge, in addition to establishing electricity and securing their worksite. Following several weather delays, the Army Corps of Engineers started dredging on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 19 . There are two dredges working over 2.25 miles to remove sediment and debris from the West Fork of the San Jacinto River.

 

The emergency dredging contract serves the specific purpose to remove excessive debris from Hurricane Harvey that is e xacerbating and impeding the free flow of water down this 2.25 mile stretch of the River, posing a threat to life, safety, critical infrastructure, and a potential loss of life. This emergency dredging project is expected to be completed by the end of April 2019, pending no additional weather delays.

Council Member Martin is aware of the need for additional dredging on the West Fork of the San Jacinto River, East Fork of the San Jacinto River, Lake Houston, and various inlets in the Lake Houston Area. He continues to work with local, state, and federal officials to secure additional projects to provide resiliency for our area. As soon as details regarding future projects are solidified and confirmed, they will be shared with the community. Currently Council Member Martin continues to stand firm in advocating the urgency for additional projects in the area,  at every possible opportunity. 

Houstonians will have the opportunity to vote on two city charter referendums: Propositions A & B. As part of the city's effort to educate the public regarding the November 6 ballot, the city has launched the  "Houston Votes 2018" website providing information about the propositions and the voting process.  It also includes a  Power Point presentation shown at the meetings. 

The city has also created a page highlighting each proposition in  English,  Spanish, Vietnamese, and Mandarin. 

"It is very important that Houstonians know the facts regarding the upcoming election and the two propositions," Mayor Sylvester Turner said. "There are seven town hall meetings remaining and I invite Houstonians to join us to hear from department directors and me and ask any questions they may have."

Visit www.houstontx.gov/houstonvotes2018 for additional information.  

As we enter what can be a more active rainy season, it is important that Lake Houston Area residents be reminded of the Lake Houston Inclement Weather Lowering Protocol. Anytime a rain event is forecast to produce more than three inches of rain in the San Jacinto River Watershed, the City of Houston will open the gates on Lake Houston to lower the level of the Lake to 41.5 feet, one foot lower than normal, until the weather threat as left our area.

 

If rain amounts greater than three inches are predicted, additional releases to reduce the level of the lake more than 41.5 feet may be necessary. At that time, our office and the City of Houston Public Works Department will alert the community via press release. Currently Lake Conroe continues to observe a lake level of 199 feet, which is two feet lower than their normal level.

On Tuesday, September 18, staff from Council Member Martin's Office had the honor of attending the annual Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce Peace Officers and Firefighters of the Year Luncheon at the Humble Civic Center.

 

The luncheon program honored the everyday heroes that serve and protect the Lake Houston Area. Those who attended the event were presented with a speech by Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzales.

 

Council Member Martin commends the 2018 Lake Houston Peace Officers and Firefighters of the Year as well all the public safety and law enforcement professionals in the greater Houston area, for their selfless and courageous service. We continue to pray for their safety every day.

Council Member Martin wants to make the Kingwood community aware of two road closures planned for upcoming events. 

On Saturday, October 13, the northbound lanes of West Lake Houston Parkway, from Kings Crossing Drive to Kings Parkway, will be closed from 6:30 am to 10:00 a.m., due to the 9th A nnual Lake Houston 10K5K. 

On Saturday, October 20, the Kingwood 10K  will close the inside curb lanes of Kingwood Drive, from Green Oaks Drive to West Lake Houston Parkway, beginning at  6:00 a.m. The roadway is expected to reopen at 9:30 a.m. 

 

To ensure the safety of the community and participants, we encourage drivers to avoid these areas during the time of the event.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded more than $5.8 million to the Humble Independent School District for emergency protective measures taken before, during and following Hurricane Harvey. The district secured the campus facilities, opened an Emergency Operations Center, placed barricades, directed traffic and pumped flood water from the facilities.

 

The FEMA grant covers 100 percent of the project's costs because the district completed their work within 30 days of the disaster declaration period. This grant comes from FEMA's Public Assistance grant program which reimburses communities for actions taken in the immediate response to and during recovery from a disaster. Eligible applicants include states, federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations.

 

FEMA's Public Assistance grant program provides project funding directly to the state for disbursement to the applicants. Eligible applicants for Public Assistance grants include states, federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations.

October 30

Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee Meeting