Relating to flood control storage requirements established by the Fort Bend County Drainage District.
Impact
Under this bill, the Fort Bend County Drainage District is mandated to create and implement a Compensatory Mitigation Program that allows for flood control measures to be taken both on-site and potentially on off-site properties. The measures may include detention or retention facilities for stormwater and other strategies that have been shown to effectively minimize flooding risks. This program must conform to existing federal and state stormwater management regulations, ensuring that the proposed measures maintain compliance with broader environmental and legal standards.
Summary
House Bill 2454 is designed to enhance flood control measures within the Fort Bend County Drainage District by establishing a framework for a Compensatory Mitigation Program. This program is particularly focused on managing stormwater flows from development projects on drainage areas that are less than 50 acres. The intent of the bill is to minimize the threat of flooding through effective measures, which are to be integrated during the site development process.
Contention
One notable aspect of HB2454 is the emphasis on requiring applications for the Compensatory Mitigation projects to be endorsed by a licensed engineer and to demonstrate that the flood threat is adequately addressed. This adds a layer of technical scrutiny and accountability to the implementation of flood control initiatives. Furthermore, a decision on project applications must be rendered within 90 days, which is an effort to streamline the approval process and address flooding threats in a timely manner. However, the emphasis on engineering input may raise concerns among advocates for community-led initiatives that could be affected by the strict regulatory framework proposed by the bill.
Relating to the Harris County Flood Control District and the transfer to it of the assets, programs, and facilities of the Harris County Toll Road Authority; providing for the appointment of the governing body.
Relating to the creation of the Fort Bend County Water Control and Improvement District No. 11; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 147; providing authority to issue bonds and impose fees and taxes.
Relating to the creation of Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 252; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Relating to the creation of Fort Bend County Municipal Utility District No. 252; granting a limited power of eminent domain; providing authority to issue bonds; providing authority to impose assessments, fees, and taxes.
Requires permit and compensatory reforestation plan for development projects that result in deforestation; establishes grant program for reforestation activities by private landowners; establishes "State Compensatory Reforestation Fund."
Requires permit and compensatory reforestation plan for development projects that result in deforestation; establishes grant program for reforestation activities by private landowners; establishes "State Compensatory Reforestation Fund."