Project Brays is in Peril
If you live or work in the Brays Watershed or in any of the 21 other watersheds in Harris County, you can be at risk of flooding. Whether it is water in your home or business, higher flood insurance premiums, or an inability to drive or walk because of high water, you are affected. Project Brays is a federal project designed to reduce the risk of flooding. Federal, because when the project was conceived, it was agreed that Harris County would advance funds to get the project launched and, as various milestones were achieved, the federal government would be billed through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the County would be reimbursed up to 50% of the design and construction cost through appropriations by Congress.
Unfortunately, the financial climate in Washington does not look favorable. The Harris County Flood Control District is asking for an appropriation of $20M this year to maintain aggressive progress on the project. The current active area is from just east of Hiway 288 to Holcombe, next to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. The remaining part of the project is from Holcombe to Fondren.
Appropriations originating from the House or Senate are considered to be earmarks which, as you know, are not in high repute. However, appropriation requests originating from the Administration, are not considered to be earmarks.
Current prospects for funding suggest from $3.75M to perhaps $7.75 M. The Harris County Flood Control District has asked the community to help convince the officials involved that $20m should be appropriated. If the Administration includes enough in their budget request to Congress on Feb. 14, we will be in good shape. If not, Congress may raise the requested amount. This is called a "plus up".
We need to email a variety of Administration officials, including the President, together with copies to our Congress Person and to our Senators. I have put together a packet of material to use which includes: 1) names and addresses of officials 2) sample letter 3) talking points 4) suggestions on sending the e-mails and 5) an overview of the situation.
Timing is urgent and vital. We need to convince the people we are writing to that the requested amount of $20M should be included in the budget, which is to be presented Feb. 14.
Letters from individuals are requested AND a resolution by the Bayou Preservation Association. It has been suggested that such a resolution by the BPA could carry a lot of weight with the various officials.
Please email me ASAP if you have not yet received the material, at bobx@hal-pc.org and I'll send it to you. Please send the emails our as quickly as possible. Keep the emails short. Make it easy on yourself!
Thanks, Bob
