Take Action Today: Encourage the Army Corps of Engineers to invest in nature-based projects that improve drainage, reduce flooding, and keep people out of harm's way for generations to come!

The US Army Corps of Engineers released the Buffalo Bayou Tributaries Resiliency Study Interim Report, which outlines proposed projects aimed at reducing flooding along the Buffalo Bayou watershed. This study aims to weigh the benefits and costs of various proposed projects, help in the selection of their preferred project, and identify any additional impacts not yet considered. These proposed projects are meant to increase community resilience from future disasters, and reduce or eliminate the long-term risks of future flooding.

Unfortunately, this Study falls short of its goal and can cause irreparable harm to the Katy Prairie, Buffalo Bayou, and the natural systems we love along the watershed.

Improved drainage and detention is necessary for our communities along the watershed - particularly in areas that have been long neglected. However, the Corps' focus on decades old projects and getting water quickly down the bayous places too much emphasis on traditional flood management techniques - at the cost of natural infrastructure projects that can provide multiple benefits to communities across our watershed.

Let the Corps know that you think their approach is too focused on "silver bullet" structural projects that won’t address flooding problems without major environmental damage and within any reasonable time frame:

• The Study negates the long history of work by multiple government and philanthropic efforts to preserve Buffalo Bayou in a near natural state.
• Proposed projects will take 20-30 years before flooding benefits are realized.
• The Study does not make economic sense per the Corps’ own guidance.
• The proposed projects will irreparably damage the Katy Prairie and the Buffalo Bayou riparian system.

We recommend that the Corps consider alternative approaches that include:

• Nature-based solutions in Upper Cypress Creek and elsewhere, to preserve and expand natural open spaces.
• Excavation of Addicks and Barker Reservoirs to increase storage capacity.
• Detention and retention in upper Addicks Reservoir for creekside storage.
• Water conveyance options that do not damage natural resources.
   

Read the Buffalo Bayou & Tributaries Resiliency Study Here