At a Colleyville City Council work session at 5:30 p.m. in 2025, city staff presented a proposed stormwater grant program that would provide a 2-to-1 match with a $25,000 cap on the city's contribution per property to help stabilize eroding creeks and drainage channels on private land.

The program is designed to address erosion and aging drainage infrastructure that affects many private-property owners. City staff said roughly 95% of the creeks and streams in Colleyville are on private property and that some channels are experiencing substantial erosion. "We don't want our creeks and streams turning into the Grand Canyon," staff member Mr. Larry said during the presentation.

Under the proposal, a project with a $75,000 total cost would be eligible for the maximum $25,000 city contribution under a 2-to-1 match; the city contribution is capped at $25,000 per property. Projects must demonstrate a regional benefit to the city and be designed to provide at least a 20-year service life. The council previously approved $150,000 for the program in the budget; at maximum award levels that funding would cover about two full $75,000 projects in a given year.

Staff described an application packet and a FAQ page included in the council packet. Applications will be evaluated by an eight-member drainage committee that includes city staff (named in the packet were Jerry and engineer Lisa Escobedo) and other members; the committee will prioritize projects based on regional benefit and need. Staff also recommended targeted outreach, such as direct mailers to property owners along affected streams similar to prior FEMA map outreach.

Approved projects must submit engineering plans for city review and to demonstrate compliance with applicable FEMA and U.S. Army Corps permitting standards. The city will reimburse the city share only after inspection confirms work was completed as proposed; the city attorney will prepare an agreement that outlines the property owner's maintenance responsibilities and other terms.

Councilmembers raised concerns that the initial $150,000 allocation could be insufficient if demand is high. City staff said they would return to the council to request additional funding if the program "takes off" and more funding is needed, similar to how the council later expanded an earlier beautification program. Staff said the program is planned to begin in January.

The work session also included brief mentions of committee and board appointment deadlines and packet addendums. The chair closed the work session at 5:42 p.m.