Phase II of the Lake Houston Dam Spillway Improvement Project is well underway. This phase focuses on the Lake Houston Dam Spillway Improvement Additional Gates Project, which will add eleven new tainter gates to the dam, increasing its controlled discharge capacity by an additional 79,000 cubic feet per second (cfs).

The engineering firm Black & Veatch has completed the 90% design plans, and field activities are progressing. The 90% design plans also reveal the expected construction cost is higher than before and no longer allows the City to qualify for the remaining FEMA grant funds. The project scope evolved to prioritize long-term safety and constructability. Rather than modifying the dam's concrete structure, the additional gates will be constructed in the earthen embankment using a substantial cofferdam after engineers determined it was the safest and most practical approach. While these changes have increased project costs, they significantly reduce construction risk and help protect the drinking water supply for approximately 2.4 million people. When it comes to critical infrastructure like the Lake Houston Dam, safety must remain the top priority.

In parallel, the design team is actively engaging with regulatory agencies, including the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE-Galveston), and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), to discuss project details and streamline permitting review schedules. The Coastal Water

Authority (CWA) met with TCEQ in December and continues to work closely with USACE-Galveston and TPWD to explore options for expediting the approval process.

The District E office remains actively involved in this project, participating in bi-weekly coordination meetings with Houston Public Works, Coastal Water Authority, Texas Division of Emergency Management, and FEMA to ensure progress continues efficiently and transparently. Mayor Whitmire, Council Member Flickinger, Houston Public Works, and Coastal Water Authority are already working with our state and federal elected officials to secure the additional funding needed for construction.

After years of planning and advocacy, construction is now officially underway on the Taylor Gully Channel Conveyance Improvements and Woodridge Stormwater Detention Basin. Council Member Fred Flickinger joined federal, state, county, and local partners on July 20 to celebrate the project's groundbreaking a major milestone for one of the region's most significant flood mitigation efforts.

Phase 1 of the project will widen and improve approximately two miles of Taylor Gully while constructing the first compartment of a new regional stormwater detention basin on the former Woodridge Village property. The detention basin will provide approximately 412 acre-feet of stormwater storage, helping reduce flood risk for neighborhoods impacted by the devastating 2019 floods. The overall project is expected to reduce water surface elevations by up to five feet during major storm events, with construction anticipated to continue through late 2027. As work progresses, the District E office will continue providing residents with updates on key construction milestones and anticipated impacts.

On Thursday, July 16th, Council Member Flickinger joined AT&T and Compudopt as they provided 100 refurbished laptops to Houston students and families ahead of the new school year.

The distribution was part of AT&T's back-to-school initiative to provide 1,000 refurbished laptops through its Retail E-Waste Campaign, which transforms customer electronic recycling into meaningful community impact. Through the campaign, customers have recycled more than 10,000 pounds of eligible e-waste at participating AT&T stores and donated $1 million in trade-in value online. For every 10 pounds of e-waste collected, AT&T provides one refurbished laptop to help expand digital access in the communities it serves.

Access to reliable technology is essential for students and families to complete schoolwork, apply for jobs, access important services, and stay connected. Events like this help bridge the digital divide by putting technology directly into the hands of those who need it most while encouraging responsible electronic recycling. Council Member Flickinger is proud to support partnerships that create educational opportunities and strengthen the Houston community.

On Wednesday, July 22nd, Council Member Fred Flickinger joined the Kingwood Executive Group to provide an update on key initiatives and projects impacting the City of Houston and District E. The Kingwood Executive Group is comprised of local business and community leaders who meet regularly to discuss issues affecting the Kingwood and Lake Houston area.

During the meeting, Council Member Flickinger shared updates on the Fiscal Year 2027 City budget, the Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District, the Lake Houston Dam Spillway Improvement Project, and the Northpark Drive Expansion Project. He also recognized State Representative Charles Cunningham for authoring the legislation that established the Lake Houston Dredging and Maintenance District and thanked him for attending the meeting. The presentation concluded with a productive question-and-answer session with attendees.

District E appreciates the invitation from the Kingwood Executive Group and the opportunity to discuss issues important to the Kingwood and Lake Houston area.

On Tuesday, July 14th, Council Member Flickinger had the honor of serving as the guest speaker at the Greater Houston Veterans Rotary Club meeting. The gathering brought together veterans, community leaders, and local stakeholders for an engaging discussion on the City's priorities and the progress being made to enhance the quality of life for Houston residents. The Council Member provided updates on a variety of initiatives currently underway across the City.

A key focus of the presentation was the City's continued commitment to reducing flood risks through infrastructure improvements, drainage projects, and long-term flood mitigation strategies. The Council Member discussed how these efforts are helping better prepare Houston for future weather events while protecting homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. The meeting also provided an opportunity to answer questions, hear feedback from attendees, and reinforce the importance of collaboration between City leadership and community organizations in building a safer and stronger Houston.

On Saturday, July 4th, Council Member Flickinger was honored to join thousands of residents at the Kingwood Fourth of July Parade as our community celebrated the 250th anniversary of the United States. This cherished annual tradition brought neighbors together to celebrate our nation's history while showcasing the pride and patriotism that define the Kingwood community.

Council Member Flickinger was proud to celebrate alongside State Representative Charles Cunningham, Harris County Justice of the Peace Lincoln Goodwin, Justice of the Peace Laryssa Korduba, Constable Mark Herman's Office, local first responders, community organizations, and countless volunteers who helped make the parade a success.

Thank you to everyone who participated, decorated floats, waved the American flag, and came out to celebrate. We hope you and your family had a safe, memorable, and patriotic Independence Day!

On Thursday, July 9th, District E staff attended the Commerce Club luncheon featuring Coalter Baker, Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD), and Roger Guenther, President of the GCPD Board of Directors. The presentation provided an update on the Coastal Texas Project, including recent funding milestones and the next steps toward implementing this critical coastal resiliency initiative.  

Established by the Texas Legislature in 2021, the Gulf Coast Protection District serves as the non-federal sponsor for major portions of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-led Coastal Texas Project, which is designed to strengthen storm surge protection, safeguard communities, and preserve the economic vitality of the upper Texas coast. Attendees also learned about the project's significance in protecting vital regional assets, including Port Houston, one of the nation's busiest ports and a major driver of the American economy. 

The Sand Creek Village Drainage Improvement Project, being conducted by Houston Public Works, is entering its final stages. According to the latest project update, Phase 2 is now approximately 98% complete, marking significant progress over the past month. Crews have completed all underground drainage facilities, paving, and curbing, and both lanes of Highland Laurels Drive reopened on July 24. The new storm drainage system has been operational since July 13 and has reportedly performed as designed during recent rainfall events.

Construction efforts are now focused on landscaping, irrigation, sod installation, cleanup, and final inspections. The Sand Creek Village Community Association currently estimates substantial completion around August 10, 2026, weather permitting.

Residents should continue to expect construction activity as crews complete the remaining restoration work. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the project, please contact our office at DistrictE@houstontx.gov.

On Thursday, July 23rd, Council Member Flickinger was honored to attend the Houston Police Department's Cadet Class 275 and Lateral Class L-16-26 Graduation Ceremony, celebrating the department's newest officers and recognizing their commitment to serving the Houston community.

The ceremony marked an important milestone for the 66 graduates who have answered the call to protect and serve the residents of our city. District E is grateful for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public safety. We thank these new officers for choosing a career of service and wish them continued success as they begin their journey with the Houston Police Department.

On Thursday, July 30th, Council Member Flickinger and staff joined the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Clear Creek ISD in welcoming more than 400 new educators at the 60th Anniversary New Teachers' Luncheon. Produced by the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, this longstanding tradition celebrates the newest members of the CCISD family while demonstrating the incredible support our community has for its educators.

This year's keynote speaker, Calli Moore, a 2026 graduate of Clear Creek ISD, delivered a powerful and heartfelt message about her journey with cancer after being diagnosed during her freshman year of high school. Callie shared how her teachers became some of her greatest advocates, meeting her where she was each day, encouraging her through difficult moments, and helping her continue her education despite the challenges she faced. Her story was a moving reminder of the lasting impact educators have on the lives of their students, both inside and outside the classroom.

The annual luncheon is made possible through the generosity of local businesses and community sponsors, whose support helps welcome hundreds of new teachers to the district each year. Their investment reflects the community's shared commitment to education and to ensuring every new educator begins the school year feeling valued, supported, and connected to the place they now call home.

TIRZ 10/Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority (LHRA) is progressing on Phases 1 and 2 of the Northpark Drive Project. Phase 2, which will expand Northpark Drive from four to six lanes, replace bridges, and add a 90-acre-foot detention basin, is moving forward with land surveys, right-of-way acquisitions, and easement preparations. Work on the Northpark Drive project continues, with crews active in several areas.

Construction continues to advance on the Northpark Drive Overpass Project, with crews now shifting their focus to major bridge and roadway improvements. Work is underway on the bridge embankment near Whataburger, retaining walls and bridge foundations on both sides of the Union Pacific Railroad, and paving the new U-turn lanes east of the railroad tracks.

One of the next major milestones will be completion of the project's Phase 1 drainage system. Crews are installing a large reinforced concrete box culvert beneath the Loop 494 intersection to connect the final segments of the new storm sewer network. Once complete, the entire Phase 1 drainage system will be fully connected for the first time.

Additional work continues throughout the corridor, including sidewalk construction, installation of permanent irrigation lines, and placement of streetlight foundations and light poles. The contractor has completed work on the traffic signals at Russell Palmer Road and is awaiting the City's final inspection before activating the intersection in its permanent configuration. Meanwhile, the Loop 494 intersection is expected to reopen to northbound and southbound traffic after Union Pacific completes testing of the railroad signal communication system, with the goal of reopening before New Caney ISD begins the new school year.

As a reminder, the next TIRZ Board meeting will be held on Thursday, August 13th at 8:00 AM at the Kingwood Community Center. Every TIRZ Board meeting is open to the public. Visit the LHRA website for more information on the Northpark Drive Overpass Project and view the 2026 Board of Directors Calendar.

Meet Stan! Stan is a 1-year-old neutered Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix currently living in a foster home while he waits for adoption.

Stan is a sweet and playful dog with a gentle and outgoing personality. He enjoys spending time with people and is a great companion for anyone looking for a new best friend.

Stan is playful with other dogs and has a gentle approach when meeting new canine friends. He is fully potty trained and is continuing to make progress with crate training.

With his friendly personality and good manners, Stan could be a great addition to a variety of households.

If you are looking for a loyal and fun companion, Stan may be a great fit for your family. Click here to learn more about adopting Stan or email BARCFoster@houstontx.gov

Residents may act as extra eyes and ears on the streets, and soon you'll be able to report a pothole, a malfunctioning traffic light, or a drainage problem while you're out and about. Houston 311 has launched a new smartphone app that makes reporting issues like these easier than ever. The app uses GPS to identify your location and also allows you to snap a photo to add to your service request. The new app allows for reports to be automatically routed to city departments for resolutions.

You can still alert the City of Houston of issues by dialing 3-1-1 or 713-837-0311 of potential problems in your community. Houstonians can also access this helpful service via an e-mail to 311@HoustonTX.gov. A self Service Request (SR) form is available online at www.houston311.org. Once you've reported a problem please follow up with the District E office by emailing your case number and information on the issue to the District E office at districte@houstontx.gov to help ensure the problem is addressed promptly.

District E Upcoming Monthly Events

Email the District E office (districte@houstontx.gov) if you would like us to include your upcoming event in future newsletters!

August 01 – Annual Mayor’s Back to School & Health Fair

August 01 – Kingwood Electronic Recycling

August 08 – Clear Lake Electronic Recycling

August 12 – KSA Public Safety Committee Meeting

August 13 – TIRZ Board Meeting

August 13 – HPD Northeast PIP

August 17 – HPD Clear Lake PIP

August 17 – HPD Eastside PIP

August 18 – HPD Kingwood PIP

August 19 – Kingwood SNC

August 27 – Coffee with a Cop - NCACC