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County adopts Flood Awareness Week; officials highlight $100 million in Inland Port flood projects and seek state funding
Summary
The Commissioners Court adopted a proclamation for Texas Flood Awareness Week and heard a briefing on the Dallas County Inland Port Flood Planning Study, which identified nine projects totaling about $100 million for the state flood plan and will compete for state flood infrastructure funds.
The Dallas County Commissioners Court unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing the state proclamation of Texas Flood Awareness Week and urging residents to "turn around, don't drown." The court then received a multi‑agency briefing on the Dallas County Inland Port Flood Planning Study and proposed projects.
Alyssa (Lisonbee) Shepherd, who led the county presentation, said the study covers roughly 230 square miles and affects 12 cities and three counties, including large industrial areas in the Inland Port. The study examined major tributaries such as 10 Mile Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Rollins Creek and Hutchins Creek and identified flood‑mitigation projects the county can add to the state flood plan.
Melissa Hislop, a project manager from the Texas Water Development Board who attended from Austin, described the planning work as an effort to identify projects eligible for the state's flood infrastructure fund. Shepherd told the court the team identified nine candidate projects with a combined construction cost of roughly $100 million for inclusion in the next state flood plan amendment.
Why it matters: the Inland Port area is a fast‑growing industrial corridor that sits partially in FEMA floodplain. The study aims to improve flood planning for populated communities and industrial facilities and to position prioritized projects for state and federal grant funding.
Funding and partnerships: court members and presenters repeatedly emphasized that Dallas County contributed local funds and that the project team leveraged Texas Water Development Board assistance and FEMA and North Central Texas Council of Governments coordination. Shepherd said the county matched local funds with state funds for earlier study phases and that the study's candidate projects will compete for the Flood Infrastructure Fund and other state grants.
Public outreach and next steps: presenters said they conducted hearings across affected cities and published the study; Melissa Hislop confirmed the report had been published and submitted to the state. Shepherd asked the court to support ongoing efforts to pursue grant funding and to include the recommended projects in future amendments to the state flood plan.
Discussion, direction, decision: The court unanimously approved the flood awareness proclamation. No vote was taken on project selection in court; presenters said the projects will be submitted to the state process and will compete for funding. County staff and TWDB pledged to share the published report and follow up with copies to the court.
Ending: Officials asked the public to heed flood safety guidance during spring and summer storms and promised further briefings to the court as funding decisions and project planning continue.
