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Council approves budget amendment to fund engineering for Whitcomb Terrace detention and Clear Creek terracing
Summary
Council approved Budget Amendment 5 to appropriate $2.85 million as Friendswood’s share of engineering costs for the Whitcomb Terrace detention basin and downstream terracing work; the project is part of a multi-jurisdictional agreement with Harris County Flood Control District and a state contribution of $10 million was noted.
The Friendswood City Council on Monday approved a budget amendment that includes a $2,850,000 appropriation to cover the city’s share of engineering for the Whitcomb Terrace detention basin and related Clear Creek terracing work.
City Manager Murad Kabiri told council the Whitcomb effort has two components: detention (the basin) and conveyance improvements (terracing/shelving along Clear Creek). Kabiri said the detention component is being completed and that the $2.85 million is Friendswood’s share for the next engineering phase, administered by Harris County Flood Control District as the lead agency under a multi‑jurisdictional agreement.
Kabiri said the state has committed $10 million for the overall regional effort and the city’s total contribution to the broader project is approximately $17 million; the $2.85 million is specifically for engineering work now that the detention element is nearing completion. “The $2,850,000 is our share of the engineering cost for the terracing now that the detention pond component is being completed,” he said.
Council members asked for clarification on the line item and Kabiri explained that bond proceeds were deposited in an investment account and the budget amendment designates those proceeds to pay Harris County Flood Control District for engineering work under the regional project.
The motion to approve Budget Amendment 5, which contains the Whitcomb Terrace engineering appropriation among other items, was moved, seconded and passed unanimously (the transcript records unanimous approval; specific vote counts were not provided).
Clarifying details: Kabiri said Friendswood entered a multi-jurisdictional agreement with Harris County Flood Control District, Galveston County and other partners following the 2023 legislative session; state funds and county leadership are part of the arrangement. Staff said the detention work will be wrapped up in the next few months and the terracing/engineering is the next step funded by the amended budget.
Ending: With the appropriation approved, staff will coordinate with Harris County Flood Control District to begin the engineering phase for Clear Creek terracing; council action designates requested bond proceeds to the project.
