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Committee asks flood-control to inspect tree snags and debris in local channels; selective clearing offered
Summary
Chair asked Harris County Flood Control to check fallen trees and debris in a South Broadway channel and near Shady River; flood-control said selective clearing is done where in right-of-way and will coordinate with city staff to identify locations.
Committee members asked staff to inspect several channels with fallen trees and debris that may block flow, noting concerns ahead of hurricane season.
Chair described a channel that traverses South Broadway and empties into Galveston Bay and asked whether flood-control has a policy for clearing such channels; Jeremy Ratcliffe said the district performs selective clearing in areas where it controls the right-of-way and offered to meet with city staff to confirm exact locations. "If you can give it to Ray, maybe I can meet with him out there to make sure we're looking at the same area," Ratcliffe said, adding that vegetation-management crews can prune trees and remove debris that threatens flow.
Staff and committee members agreed to coordinate site visits to identify blockages and determine whether work is within flood-control's authority or requires dedicated right-of-way and further local action. Ray Mayo said Little Cedar Bayou was cleared in 2023 but staff would re-inspect for new snags. The committee asked for a report back to determine maintenance need ahead of hurricane season.
