Texas House Bill HB2136

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to flood control storage requirements established by the Fort Bend County Drainage District.

Impact

The enactment of HB2136 would amend Chapter 6604 of the Special District Local Laws Code, thus impacting local flood control statutes. It would empower the Fort Bend County Drainage District to implement a structured approach to managing stormwater flows resulting from further development. By allowing the establishment of compensatory mitigation strategies, the bill aims to create a framework that promotes responsible development while ensuring that flooding threats are effectively managed. This could involve innovative solutions such as detention facilities and other strategies designed to minimize flood risks.

Summary

House Bill 2136 is designed to establish comprehensive flood control storage requirements through the Fort Bend County Drainage District. The bill mandates the creation of a compensatory mitigation program aimed specifically at areas with drainage that are less than 50 acres in size. This initiative is intended to minimize flooding risks associated with impervious surfaces from development by allowing mitigation measures to be executed on both associated properties and potentially elsewhere if flood threats are adequately addressed. The bill emphasizes the importance of professional engineering standards in the evaluation and approval process for mitigation projects.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB2136 appears to be positive, particularly among supporters who view it as a necessary step for improved flood risk management in Fort Bend County. Advocates highlight the importance of targeted flood control measures, particularly in the face of increasing development pressures. However, there may also be apprehensions from community stakeholders who are concerned about the implementation and oversight aspects of the compensatory mitigation programs, as these require careful evaluation and compliance with both state and federal regulations to ensure effectiveness.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB2136 may revolve around the balance of development and environmental considerations. While the bill is structured to provide flood control measures that promote growth, there could be tensions regarding the effectiveness of compensatory mitigation strategies in truly addressing the particular flooding challenges present in various locales. Opponents of similar legislation often argue that insufficient oversight or flexibility in implementation could lead to inadequate flood management and potentially place communities at further risk. Therefore, the success of the bill will likely depend on how well it integrates community feedback and engineering best practices.