Harris County CDBG – Mitigation

Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS  - Tower Oaks

November 1, 2024

Harris County Housing and Community Development – Resiliency
1111 Fannin St, 9th Floor
Houston, Texas 77002
(832) 927-8230

On or about November 11, 2024, Harris County Housing and Community Development (HCHCD) will submit a request to the Texas General Land Office (GLO) for the release of Community Development Block Grant - Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) funds under Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-123), as amended, to undertake a project known as Tower Oaks Estates Subdivision Drainage Improvements for the purpose of street and drainage improvements. Approximately $11,032,844.00 of CDBG-MIT funding would be provided under GLO Grant # 22-129-000-D405 and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Grant # B-18-DP-48-0002. The total project cost is approximately $14,357,577.25, with a leverage amount of $3,324,733.25. The project serves the Tower Oaks Meadows Subdivision, north of Fallbrook Drive, south of Cypress North Houston Rd, east of Huffmeister Rd, and west of North Eldridge Parkway in Harris County, TX, 77429. The project center point is at 29.93801, -95.61300.


The activities proposed will improve the drainage system within the Tower Oaks Meadows subdivision and reduce the threat of structural flooding. The proposed project would upgrade approximately 20,000 feet of the existing drainage system to convey water away from structures efficiently. Approximately 18,000 feet of roadways and 6,000 feet of sidewalks will be reconstructed to convey stormwater more efficiently into the drainage system. Detention for the improved stormwater conveyance has been completed off-site and is not part of this project. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at Harris County Housing and Community Development, 1111 Fannin Dr., 9th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002, and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:30 A.M to 4:30 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to HCHCD, which will accept written comments delivered to Ms. Thao Costis, Executive Director, Harris County Housing and Community Development, 1111 Fannin Dr., 9th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002, with “Attention: Tower Oaks Estates Subdivision Drainage Improvements” in the subject line. Comments also may be submitted via e-mail to drplancomments@harriscountytx.gov. All comments received by November 8, will be considered by HCHCD prior to authorizing the submission of a request for release of funds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

HCHCD certifies to the GLO that Thao Costis in her capacity as Executive Director consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. The GLO’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the HCHCD to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

GLO will accept objections to its release of funds and the HCHCD’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of HCHCD; (b) HCHCD omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by GLO; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to Ms. Heather Lagrone, Texas General Land Office at P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711-2873, env.reviews@recovery.texas.gov. Potential objectors should contact GLO to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Thao Costis, Executive Director

(Public Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds - Tower Oaks


PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS  - CYPRESS CREEK ESTATES

October 30, 2024

Harris County Housing and Community Development – Resiliency
1111 Fannin St, 9th Floor
Houston, Texas 77002
(832) 927-8230

On or about November 7, 2024, Harris County Housing and Community Development (HCHCD) will submit a request to the Texas General Land Office (GLO) for the release of Community Development Block Grant - Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) funds under Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-123), as amended, to undertake a project known as Cypress Creek Estates Subdivision Drainage Improvements – 2018 for the purpose of street and drainage improvements. Approximately $11,626,928.00 of CDBG-MIT funding would be provided under GLO Grant # 22-129-000-D405 and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Grant # B-18-DP-48-0002. The total project cost is approximately $11,626,928.00. The project serves the Cypress Creek Estates Subdivision, located north of Cypress North Houston Rd, south of Louetta Rd, east of Huffmeister Rd, and west of North Eldridge Parkway in Harris County, TX, 77429. The project center point is at 29.95677, -95.61072.


The proposed activities will improve the drainage system within the Cypress Creek Estates subdivision and reduce the threat of structural flooding. The proposed project would upgrade the existing undersized drainage system to bring it into compliance with current standards. This includes upsizing 11,000 linear feet of storm sewers and ditches. Roadways and sidewalks will be reconstructed to convey stormwater into the drainage system efficiently. Detention for the improved stormwater conveyance has been completed off-site and is not part of this project. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at Harris County Housing and Community Development, 1111 Fannin Dr., 9th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002, and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:30 A.M to 4:30 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to HCHCD, which will accept written comments delivered to Ms. Thao Costis, Executive Director, Harris County Housing and Community Development, 1111 Fannin Dr., 9th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002, with “Attention: Cypress Creek Estates Subdivision Drainage Improvements” in the subject line. Comments also may be submitted via e-mail to drplancomments@harriscountytx.gov. All comments received by November 6, 2024, will be considered by HCHCD prior to authorizing the submission of a request for release of funds. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

HCHCD certifies to the GLO that Thao Costis, in her capacity as Executive Director, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. The GLO’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the HCHCD to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

GLO will accept objections to its release of funds and the HCHCD’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of HCHCD; (b) HCHCD omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by GLO; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to Ms. Heather Lagrone, Texas General Land Office at P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711-2873, env.reviews@recovery.texas.gov. Potential objectors should contact GLO to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Thao Costis, Executive Director

(Public Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds - Cypress Creek Estates



PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS  - DOWDELL WOODS

October 23, 2024

Harris County Housing and Community Development – Resiliency
1111 Fannin St, 9th Floor
Houston, Texas 77002
(832) 927-8230

On or about October 31, 2024, Harris County Housing and Community Development (HCHCD)  will submit a request to the Texas General Land Office (GLO) for the release of Community Development Block Grant - Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) funds under Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-123), as amended, to undertake a project known as Dowdell Woods Subdivision Drainage Improvements – 2018 for the purpose of street and drainage improvements. Approximately $5,636,185.00 of CDBG-MIT funding would be provided under GLO Grant # 22-129-000-D405 and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Grant # B-18-DP-48-0002. The total project cost is approximately $5,636,185.00. The project serves the Dowdell Woods Subdivision, located north of Cypress North Houston Rd, south of Louetta Rd, east of Huffmeister Rd, and west of North Eldridge Parkway in Harris County, TX, 77429. The project center point is at approximately 29.960704, -95.606006.

The activities proposed will improve the drainage system within the Dowdell Woods subdivision and reduce the threat of structural flooding. The proposed project would upgrade the existing undersized drainage system to bring it into compliance with current standards. This includes upsizing approximately 5000 linear feet of storm sewers and ditches. Roadways will be reconstructed to convey stormwater more efficiently into the drainage system. Detention for the improved stormwater conveyance has been completed off-site and is not part of this project. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at Harris County Housing and Community Development, 1111 Fannin Dr., 9th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002, and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:30 A.M to 4:30 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to HCHCD, which will accept written comments delivered to Ms. Thao Costis, Executive Director, Harris County Housing and Community Development, 1111 Fannin Dr., 9th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002, with “Attention: Dowdell Woods Subdivision Drainage Improvements” in the subject line. Comments also may be submitted via e-mail to drplancomments@harriscountytx.gov. All comments received by October 30, 2024, will be considered by HCHCD prior to authorizing the submission of a request for release of funds. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

HCHCD certifies to the GLO that Thao Costis, in her capacity as Executive Director, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied.  The GLO’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the HCHCD to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

GLO will accept objections to its release of funds and the HCHCD’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of HCHCD; (b) HCHCD omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by GLO; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to Ms. Heather Lagrone, Texas General Land Office at P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711-2873, env.reviews@recovery.texas.gov. Potential objectors should contact GLO to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Thao Costis, Executive Director

(Public Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds - Dowdell Woods



PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS  - Barwood

October 15, 2024

Harris County Housing and Community Development – Resiliency
1111 Fannin St, 9th Floor
Houston, Texas 77002
(832) 927-8230

On or about October 23, 2024, Harris County Housing and Community Development (HCHCD) will submit a request to the Texas General Land Office (GLO) for the release of Community Development Block Grant - Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) funds under Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-123), as amended, to undertake a project known as Barwood Subdivision Drainage Improvements – 2018 for the purpose of street and drainage improvements. Approximately $9,204,043.00 of CDBG-MIT funding would be provided under GLO Grant # 22-129-000-D405 and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Grant # B-18-DP-48-0002. The total project cost is approximately $10,365,752.50, including a Leverage amount of $1,161,709.50. The project serves the Barwood Subdivision, located north of Fallbrook Drive, south of Cypress North Houston Rd, east of Huffmeister Rd, and west of North Eldridge Parkway in Harris County, TX, 77429. The project center point is at 29.94280, -95.60858.

The proposed activities will improve the Barwood subdivision's drainage system and reduce the threat of structural flooding. The proposed project would upgrade approximately 10,750 feet of the existing drainage system to efficiently convey water away from structures. 8600 feet of roadways will be reconstructed to convey stormwater more efficiently into the drainage system. Detention for the improved stormwater conveyance has been completed off-site and is not part of this project. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at Harris County Housing and Community Development, 1111 Fannin Dr., 9th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002, and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:30 A.M to 4:30 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to HCHCD, which will accept written comments delivered to Ms. Thao Costis, Executive Director, Harris County Housing and Community Development, 1111 Fannin Dr., 9th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002, with “Attention: Barwood Subdivision Drainage Improvements” in the subject line. Comments also may be submitted via e-mail to drplancomments@harriscountytx.gov. All comments received by October 21, 2024, will be considered by HCHCD prior to authorizing the submission of a request for release of funds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

HCHCD certifies to the GLO that Thao Costis, in her capacity as Executive Director, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. The GLO’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the HCHCD to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

GLO will accept objections to its release of funds and the HCHCD’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of HCHCD; (b) HCHCD omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by GLO; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to Ms. Heather Lagrone, Texas General Land Office at P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711-2873, env.reviews@recovery.texas.gov. Potential objectors should contact GLO to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Thao Costis, Executive Director

(Public Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds - Barwood



PUBLIC NOTICE

HARRIS COUNTY HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT PROPOSED FOR FUNDING THROUGH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FOR 
MITIGATION (CDBG-MIT) PROGRAM

The Harris County Housing and Community Development is preparing twelve (12) project applications for the following planning study projects;

  • Winfield Basin Feasibility Study
  • Cypress Creek Overflow Analysis
  • Halls Bayou Watershed Flood Risk Analysis Study
  • NE Harris County Neighborhoods Assessment
  • Upper Brays Bayou Watershed Feasibility Study
  • Spring Branch Sub-watershed Feasibility Study
  • Clear Creek Watershed Tributary Feasibility Study
  • Upper Greens Bayou Watershed Tributary Feasibility Study
  • Hunting Bayou Watershed Feasibility Study
  • Lower Cypress Creek Watershed Tributary Feasibility Study
  • White Oak Bayou Watershed Feasibility Study
  • Sims Bayou Watershed Tributary Feasibility Study
These projects total $10,700,000 through the Community Development Block Grant for Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) Program. Each planning study will produce a public document and other key deliverables to lay out community findings for future success, as well as specifically identified issues, solutions, high-impact projects for implementation, and funding strategies.

These projects, as well as upcoming CDBG-MIT projects, will be available on the Harris County Housing and Community Development Project Recovery website at https://www.harrisrecovery.org/CDBG-MIT or onsite at the Harris County Housing and Community Development Department (HCHCD), 1111 Fannin Dr., 9th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002 on business days between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The United States Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) has allocated funding through the CDBG-MIT program to the state of Texas. The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has been designated to administer the CDBG-MIT funds on behalf of the state of Texas. Harris County is a direct recipient of CDBG-MIT funds from the GLO. The CDBG-MIT funds allocated toward these projects is focused on improving the local drainage system to allow runoff to drain more quickly and reduce community flooding.

This notice serves as an opportunity for the public to review and comment on the intended proposed projects.

Written comments must be submitted to the Harris County Housing and Community Development (HCHCD), 1111 Fannin Dr., 9th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002 or by email to drplancomments@harriscountytx.gov, during the 15-day public comment period beginning on September 30, 2024, and ending on October 15, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

For additional information, please contact drplancomments@harriscountytx.gov or (832) 927-8200.

(Public Notice: HCFCD P.Studies - English - Spanish - Vietnamese - Chinese ) 


PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
RALSTON ACRES

October 2, 2024

Harris County Housing and Community Development – Disaster Recovery
1111 Fannin St, 9th Floor
Houston, Texas 77002
(832) 927-8230

This notice shall satisfy two separate, but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Harris County Housing and Community Development (HCHCD).

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about October 18, 2024, HCHCD will submit a request to the Texas General Land Office (GLO) for the release of Community Development Block Grant - Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) funds under Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-123), as amended to undertake the proposed project known as the Ralston Acres Subdivision Drainage Improvements project. Under this proposed project, the Harris County Engineering Department (HCED) proposes drainage system improvements, including upsizing existing storm sewers, regrading roadside ditches, and creating two detention ponds to hold stormwater. Once complete, the ponds would be turned over to the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) for maintenance. Pond A (29.834858, -95.217622) would serve the subdivision with 50.88 ac-ft of capacity, with an outfall into P117-00-00. Pond B (29.831449°, -95.217459°) would serve the subdivision with 22.90 ac-ft of capacity, with an outfall into P115-00-00. The project serves the Ralston Acres Subdivision and adjoining areas, as well as businesses located along John Ralston Road located north of Beaumont Hwy (BUS 90), south of Green River Dr, east of John Ralston Rd, and west of C. E. King Pkwy in Harris County TX, 77044. The project center point is at 29.832460, -95.223006. Approximately $20,545,326.00 of CDBG-DR MIT funding would be provided under GLO Grant # 22-129-000-D405 and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Grant # B-18-DP-48-0002. The total project cost is approximately $20,545,326.00.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

HCHCD has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. To address environmental impacts, the Environmental Review Record (ERR) includes mitigation measures and conditions. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the ERR on file and available for review Monday – Friday 8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. at Harris County Housing and Community Development, 1111 Fannin Dr., 9th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002. Hard copies of the ERR may be requested by e-mail at drplancomments@harriscountytx.gov.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to HCHCD, which will accept written comments delivered to Ms. Thao Costis, Executive Director, Harris County Housing and Community Development, 1111 Fannin Dr., 9th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002, with “Attention: Ralston Acres Subdivision Drainage Improvements” in the subject line. Comments also may be submitted via e-mail to drplancomments@harriscountytx.gov. All comments received by October 17, 2024, will be considered prior to authorizing the submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

HCHCD certifies that Ms. Thao Costis, Executive Director, HCHCD, in her capacity as Certifying Officer, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. GLO’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows HCHCD to use Program funds.


OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

GLO will accept objections to its release of funds and the HCHCD’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of HCHCD; (b) HCHCD omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by GLO; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to Ms. Heather Lagrone, Texas General Land Office at P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711-2873, env.reviews@recovery.texas.gov. Potential objectors should contact GLO to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Thao Costis, Executive Director
Harris County Housing and Community Development
1111 Fannin St, 9th Floor
Houston, TX 77002

(Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact and Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds Ralston Acres



PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND
NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS
NORTH FOREST

September 26, 2024

Harris County Housing and Community Development – Disaster Recovery
1111 Fannin St, 9th Floor
Houston, Texas 77002
(832) 927-8230

This notice shall satisfy two separate, but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the Harris County Housing and Community Development (HCHCD).

REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS

On or about October 14, 2024, HCHCD will submit a request to the Texas General Land Office (GLO) for the release of Community Development Block Grant - Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) funds under Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-123), as amended to undertake the proposed project known as the North Forest Subdivision Drainage Improvements project. Under this proposed project, the Harris County Engineering Department (HCED) proposes to 700 linear feet of existing residential storm sewer pipe, improve drainage on an additional 6045 ft of roadway and sidewalk, and create a 106 ac-ft wet-bottom detention pond complex (center point 30.000339, -95.434907) surrounded by a 4283ft trail. Once complete, the pond would be turned over to the North Forest MUD for maintenance. The project serves the North Forest Subdivision, located north of West Richey Rd, south of FM 1960, east of Ella Blvd, and west of Interstate 45 in Harris County TX, 77090. The project center point is at 30.003434, -95.437395. Approximately $16,954,674.00 of CDBG-DR MIT funding would be provided under GLO Grant # 22-129-000-D405 and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Grant # B-18-DP-48-0002. The total project cost is approximately $16,954,674.00.

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

HCHCD has determined that the project will have no significant impact on the human environment. To address environmental impacts, the Environmental Review Record (ERR) includes mitigation measures and conditions. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is not required. Additional project information is contained in the ERR on file and available for review Monday – Friday 8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. at Harris County Housing and Community Development, 1111 Fannin Dr., 9th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002. Hard copies of the ERR may be requested by e-mail at drplancomments@harriscountytx.gov.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to HCHCD, which will accept written comments delivered to Ms. Thao Costis, Executive Director, Harris County Housing and Community Development, 1111 Fannin Dr., 9th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002, with “Attention: North Forest Subdivision Drainage Improvements” in the subject line. Comments also may be submitted via e-mail to drplancomments@harriscountytx.gov. All comments received by October 11, 2024, will be considered prior to authorizing the submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION

HCHCD certifies that Ms. Thao Costis, Executive Director, HCHCD, in her capacity as Certifying Officer, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. GLO’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows HCHCD to use Program funds.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

GLO will accept objections to its release of funds and the HCHCD’s certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of HCHCD ; (b) HCHCD omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by GLO; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to Ms. Heather Lagrone, Texas General Land Office at P.O. Box 12873, Austin, Texas 78711-2873, env.reviews@recovery.texas.gov . Potential objectors should contact GLO to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Thao Costis, Executive Director
Harris County Housing and Community Development
1111 Fannin St, 9th Floor
Houston, TX 77002

(Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact and Notice of Intent to Request Release of Funds North Forest




Infrastructure Program: Project Status

The initial proposed project list for CDBG-MIT applications were submitted to Harris County Commissioners Court in August 2023 and were approved unanimously. Formal applications will be submitted to the GLO on a rolling basis beginning in February 2024. The GLO must formally review and approve the proposed projects. Please see project list below:

Substantially Complete Project Applications:

North Forest (Precinct 1) Project Overview

Ralston Acres (Precinct 1) Project Overview

Pine Trails (Precinct 2) Project Overview

Cypress Creek (Precinct 3) Project Overview

Dowdell Woods (Precinct 3) Project Overview

Barwood (Precinct 3) Project Overview

Tower Oaks (Precinct 3) Project Overview


Upcoming Project List:*

  • Anderson Park (Precinct 4)
  • Chimney Rock (Precinct 4)
  • Evacuations Routes & Signal Improvements (Precinct 4)

*Applications for the project above are still under development with the GLO. Once they reach a level of that is substantially complete they will also undergo a Public Notice at a future date. 



Planning Study Program: Project Status

The CDBG-MIT planning study program was developed through the MOD process in order to help Harris County move toward a more holistic plan for resiliency. Each planning study will produce a public document and/or other key deliverables to lay out community findings for future success, as well as specific identified issues, solutions, high impact projects for implementation, and funding strategies. The proposed project will help promote sound, sustainable mitigation planning informed by the evaluation of flood hazard risk. The initial proposed project list for CDBG-MIT applications was submitted to Harris County Commissioners Court in September 2023, updated July 2024, and were approved unanimously.1 This effectively allocated $29.5 million to be used to help facilitate an organized County-wide effort to analyze planning activities that will enhance programs, operations, and knowledge for recovery, resiliency, and mitigation.

Formal applications will be submitted to the GLO on a rolling basis beginning in April 2024. The GLO must formally review and approve the proposed projects. Please see project list below:


Substantially Complete Project Applications:

Harris County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan

Master Drainage Plan

Evacuation Routes Study

Cypress Creek Overflow Analysis

Winfield Basin

Halls Bayou Watershed Flood Risk Analysis Study

NE Harris County Neighborhoods Assessment 

Upper Brays Bayou Watershed Feasibility Study

Spring Branch Sub-watershed Feasibility Study

Clear Creek Watershed Tributary Feasibility Study

Upper Greens Bayou Watershed Tributary Feasibility Study

Hunting Bayou Watershed Feasibility Study

Lower Cypress Creek Watershed Tributary Feasibility Study

White Oak Bayou Watershed Feasibility Study

Slims Bayou Watershed Tributary Feasibility Study


Upcoming Project List:*

Recover Plans: Update to Emergency Support Function

Environmental Monitoring, Testing, and Environmental Justice in Low-Moderate Income Enhancement Study

Harris County Resident Resiliency Study

City of Seabrook: Zoning Ordinance Re-write Update Project

Louetta Road Critical Transportation Corridor Study (from Hwy 249 to IH 45)

Spring Stuebner Road Critical Transportation Corridor Study (from Hwy 99 to IH 45)

Langham Creek (@Clay Road) Flood Study

PCT4 Flooded Intersections

*Applications for the project above are still under development with the GLO. Once they reach a level of that is substantially complete they will also undergo a Public Notice at a future date. 



CDBG-MIT Background

Following the devastating impacts of flooding from the 2015, 2016, and 2017 extreme weather flooding events, the state of Texas received an allocation of Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

CDBG-MIT funds represent unique opportunity to provide assistance in areas impacted by recent disasters and carry out strategic and high-impact activities to mitigate disaster risks and reduce future losses in areas impacted by recent disasters. HUD defines mitigation activities as: “Those activities that increase resilience to disasters and reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of loss of life, injury, damage to and loss of property, and suffering and hardship, by lessoning the impact of future disasters.”

The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has been designated to administer the CDBG-MIT funds on behalf of Texas. GLO’s CDBG Mitigation Action Plan: Building Stronger for a Resilient Future (the Action Plan) outlines the use of funds, programs, eligible applicants, and eligibility criteria for these CDBG-MIT funds.

GLO’s Mitigation State Action Plan

Method of Distribution

On March 31, 2022, the Texas General Land Office (GLO) approved Harris County’s Method of Distribution (MOD) for the allocation of $750,000,000 in CDBG-MIT funding to help mitigate and increase future resilience from the adverse impacts posed by hurricanes, tropical storms and depressions, flooding, wind and other hazards to develop disaster-resistant infrastructure. The approved CDBG-MIT MOD includes the amount of funding for eligible entities to carry out risk mitigation projects.

Approved CDBG-MIT Method of Distribution

Developing the Method of Distribution

Developing-MOD-Figure-1024x1024

On November 1, 2023, a contractual amendment was signed between Harris County and the GLO which effectively repositioned a portion of the original $750 million allocation directly to the Harris County Flood Control District. As a direct recipient, the Harris County Flood Control District directly administers $502.5 million in CDBG-MIT and $302 million in CDBG-DR towards eligible Flood Control District Projects. For more information, click here: Harris County Flood Control CDBG Projects

Citizen Participation Plan

If you are interested in being included on the ‘Interested Party’ emailing list, please send an email to drplancomments@csd.hctx.net or call (832) 927-8200 to request being included on the list.