It should be noted that these alternatives are not necessarily mutually exclusive, and there are indications that these alternatives can be modified. It is with these points in mind that I urge you to review the options and make your views known.
Let me make a few personal observations. First, I firmly believe we should do anything and everything reasonably possible for mitigation on the West Side. This means I would like to see a number of these alternatives enacted. Second, it should be noted that the government is not infallible. I am deeply suspicious of the government's cost/benefit analysis after having personally gone through the various floods these past few years and knowing this area of town as I do. Therefore, I do take their report, studies and suggestions with a grain of salt. Since they have not released their underlying data, I do question everything. Nevertheless, these are the alternatives currently being proposed.
I would like to draw your Alternative 3: Addicks and Barker Reservoir Excavations. The interim report concludes that the Corps will not further study this option. I have consulted with community leaders and super neighborhood presidents and we are all in agreement that this is a mistake. The excavation of the reservoirs will add much needed increased storage capacity without affecting people’s homes. The interim report states this alternative will not be studied further because of the proximity of the water table line and the danger of crossing it. However, this approach does not have to be all or nothing. Even excavating the reservoirs one to three feet will add the much needed detention. When you submit your comments, I encourage you to tell the Corps that you support Alternative 3 and wish to see it further explored.
Please be open-minded when it comes to Alternative 6: Buffalo Bayou Channel Improvements. Many of us jump to the conclusion that any channel improvements will mean complete destruction of Buffalo Bayou’s natural look and habitat. However, there is no denying that Buffalo Bayou does need some improvements. There are impediments such as fallen logs, trees, and silt that could be excavated with little impact to the natural feel of the Bayou. When you submit your comments to the Corps, I urge you to let them know you are not opposed to some form of excavation but are against a complete reconstruction of the Bayou.
Finally, in my consultation with super neighborhood presidents we were all in agreement that Alternative 2: Cypress Creek Dam and Reservoir is a positive measure and should be supported by our community.
Regardless of whether you agree or not with the above positions, make your voice heard and tell the Corps your thoughts. You are also welcome to reply to us directly with your thoughts and ideas - but do note - you need to tell the Army Corps Engineers directly.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
