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Mesquite officials get a data-driven stormwater plan identifying 19 flood hot spots
Summary
Consultants presented a draft stormwater master plan that identifies 19 hot spots, prioritizes CIP projects and proposes drainage-utility rate increases and a mix of grants and low-interest loans to pay for $6.1M–$10.2M in projected work through 2030.
Consultants from HAP Associates presented a draft stormwater master plan to the Mesquite City Council on Sept. 15, summarizing modeling, prioritized projects and funding options.
Jenny Lafoy, a project advisor with HAP Associates, said the team used a 2D rainfall-on-mesh analysis and HEC‑RAS modeling and identified 19 hot spots under a 10‑year storm scenario, along with 1,282 at‑risk structures and 13 critical facilities, including hospitals and several police substations. “Using a 10‑year storm event as a basis, we were able to identify 19 hot spots,” Lafoy said.
The draft ranks projects by a weighted scoring system that prioritizes potential loss of life, depth of flooding, erosion and infrastructure complexity. Consultants also outlined water‑quality goals — an 80% reduction in total suspended solids and a 60% reduction in bacteria for first‑flush events — and suggested a mix of structural best‑management practices such as bioretention, bioswales and floatable capture devices for near‑term deployment.
Lafoy said staff and consultants updated CIP costs using 2023–2025 price data and projected total program expenses to rise from about $6.1 million in 2025 to $10.2 million by 2030. To keep pace with that need the plan includes a drainage utility‑rate study; staff presented a sample residential rate plan that phases modest increases over 2026–2030 to sustain revenue.
The presentation also identified funding sources that include the Texas Water Development Board, FEMA and the Texas General Land Office, and noted match requirements ranging from 0 to 50%. Lafoy said updating the city’s GIS impervious‑area data — currently outside the study scope — could increase fee revenue and reduce the size of future rate increases.
Council members thanked staff for the overview and asked for follow‑ups on priority timing and neighborhood outreach. The consultant distributed public‑engagement materials and said photo‑visuals and a final prioritization report would follow as the plan is finalized.
Next steps: staff will refine the CIP schedule, continue public outreach and return the final plan for council consideration and incorporation into future capital budgets.
