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Project Brays Fact Sheet
Brays Bayou
Located in southwest Harris County, the Brays Bayou watershed covers approximately 127 square miles, seven cities and several unincorporated areas, with a total population in excess of 700,000. Brays Bayou is about 31 miles long, starting just west of Highway 6 and flowing east to its mouth at the Houston Ship Channel.
Project Brays Overview
Project Brays (also known as the Brays Bayou Flood Damage Reduction Project), is a cooperative effort between the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). Designed to reduce the risk of flood damage for thousands of residents and businesses, Project Brays is one of the largest, most extensive projects ever to be managed by the HCFCD. Neighborhoods within Bellaire, Houston, Southside Place, West University Place, Meadows Place, Missouri City and unincorporated areas of Harris County, as well as the Texas Medical Center, Rice University, University of Houston, Texas Southern University, Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo and the commercial corridor along the West Loop and the Southwest Freeway interchange will also see advantages from Project Brays.
Benefits
Working within a framework of community and natural values, Project Brays will positively impact the quality of life of those people who live and work along Brays Bayou. Project Brays is already delivering flood damage reduction benefits along areas of Brays Bayou. And, it is important to remember that the completion of each piece of the project will deliver additional relief and steadily reduce the risk of flood damage.
In addition to reducing flood damage, Project Brays is also bringing much needed green space and recreational amenities to communities along Brays Bayou through strategic partnerships. Project Brays has already developed unique partnerships that set a new standard, demonstrating how different entities can work together to better benefit the communities they serve.
Project Tools
Encompassing more than 70 individual projects, Project Brays uses a collaborative approach with multiple techniques to address flood risks. The three major techniques being used are channel modifications, bridge modifications and the construction of regional stormwater detention basins. Each component contributes to reducing flood levels and the risk of flooding; together they form the strategy for Project Brays.
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Channel Modifications - As part of Project Brays, approximately 21 miles of the channel will be modified. Approximately 18 continuous miles of channel widening, beginning at the mouth of Brays and moving west to Fondren Road, will increase the amount of stormwater the bayou is able to carry. Additionally, about three miles of channel deepening will be constructed, beginning at Old Westheimer Road and extending upstream to Highway 6. |
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Bridge Modifications - In order to accommodate channel widening, Project Brays will also require modifications to approximately 32 bridges along Brays Bayou. These bridges will be replaced or modified to allow for increased flow capacity. The modifications will reduce obstructions and allow additional stormwater flow. |
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Stormwater Detention Basins - Four regional stormwater detention basins are being created that will hold approximately 3.5 billion gallons of stormwater and cover about 900 acres when completed. A stormwater detention basin is an area where excess stormwater is stored or held temporarily until the water level in the adjacent channel recedes and the stormwater can safely flow away. When full, detention basins often resemble lakes. When not holding stormwater, detention basins are large, excavated open spaces. Some basins are designed to have a permanent water level in their bottoms, and vegetation is planted to provide habitat, as well as improved water quality. |
Project Cost
The total cost of Project Brays will be approximately $450 million. Upon completion of approved components within the overall project, HCFCD can be reimbursed by the federal government for 50 to 75 percent of the completed cost. The Corps' participation and Congressional support is essential for Project Brays to receive federal funding. This partnership allows HCFCD to leverage local dollars and speed implementation of the project.
Project Status
Project Brays is well underway. Since 1994, construction on Project Brays has primarily focused on the construction of the four regional stormwater detention basins. Together, these facilities already hold back more than one billion gallons of water and encompass approximately 900 acres of land. In 2005, channel modifications began on a three-mile upstream channel segment between Old Westheimer Road and Highway 6. Construction is estimated to begin on the first downstream channel segment, from the mouth of Brays Bayou to Lawndale, in the first half of 2006. For a complete listing of projects underway, visit www.projectbrays.org.
Natural Values
HCFCD has many programs in place to preserve, restore and create natural habitats where flood damage reduction projects are underway. These habitats vary from wetlands to groves of trees that provide cover for birds and other wildlife. Most of the natural habitat values are realized in the stormwater detention basins, but channel modifications also are designed to respect the natural environment. Proposed designs for channel modifications include preserving or moving existing trees where possible and planting thousands of new trees along the bayou and in the detention basins. To do this, HCFCD conducted an extensive survey of more than 6,300 trees and more than 600 tree groves along Brays Bayou. Trees along the bayou were located, surveyed and inventoried to determine their size, health and type.
Community Values
Project Brays observes community values by designing bridge replacements and modifications and channel modifications that will be aesthetically pleasing. These designs are enhanced by landscaping of bayou parkways and greenways aimed at achieving a park-like quality. Along the channels, trees are planted at the top of the channel slopes. In stormwater detention basins, trees and shrubs are planted to achieve the purposes of habitat enhancement and open-space to accommodate human activities.
Public Involvement
HCFCD recognizes that public awareness and participation are extremely important to the success of Project Brays. An outreach program is underway to ensure that community members have a good understanding of the project and are being kept up-to-date through several channels, including local community meetings, newsletters, direct mail, the website and regular e-mail updates.
For More Information
Please call the Project Brays Hotline at 713-316-4820 or visit www.projectbrays.org. For information on other projects throughout the county, contact the HCFCD at 713-684-4000.
> View Printable Version (PDF) (PDF, 110KB, January 2006)
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