Texas House Bill HCR118

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Requesting the lieutenant governor and speaker of the house to create a joint interim committee to study the use of state and local partnerships and flood control infrastructure in general to help future-proof Texas against future flood events on a watershed basis.

Impact

The resolution highlights the critical need for coordinated planning and investment in flood control systems, including dams, levees, and storm drains. By focusing on a watershed basis for flood mitigation projects, the resolution aims to address flooding comprehensively rather than in a piecemeal fashion. This could lead to a more resilient infrastructure that may save lives and reduce economic losses due to flooding. The effectiveness of this initiative relies heavily on the collaboration between state and local governments, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently.

Summary

HCR118 is a concurrent resolution that emphasizes the need for a structured approach to flood mitigation projects in Texas, particularly following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Harvey. The resolution calls for the creation of a joint interim committee composed of key legislative members to study the use of state and local partnerships in developing effective flood control infrastructure. The resolution aims to ensure that such partnerships are well-planned and have broad support from stakeholders to enhance the state's ability to manage future flood events.

Contention

While the resolution aims to create a proactive framework for flood mitigation, the discussions around the formation of the committee may reveal differing opinions on the best approaches to address the flooding issue. Critics may voice concerns regarding the execution of these partnerships, particularly regarding funding distribution and prioritization of projects, which could lead to debates on local versus state control. The potential for differing stakeholder interests may also affect the ultimate outcomes of the findings and recommendations produced by the committee.