Good morning Precinct 2!  Here is the latest information from your Precinct!

PCT2 COMMISSIONER OFFICE INTERVENTION REDUCES FLOOD WATER DAMAGE

In the wake of Harvey's aftermath, I am pleased to report that preventative measures, taken after the May 2016 floods, greatly reduced flooding in Precinct 2.  We saw major improvements in many areas of Precinct 2 where homes that usually flooded did not flood, and roads that usually get covered in flood waters did not get covered.

 

The greatest example was seen in the Westwood Subdivision, off of 1488.  This subdivision typically sees flooding of up to 40 homes, and many impassable roads, during major rains.  The Precinct 2 Commissioners office worked with the Landowners Association, and residents, to install preventative measures.  A drainage committee was formed and approved the following measures as suggested by our office:

• Pct 2 Commissioners Office added two 30" cross pipes at Teakwood and Mesquite
• Pct 2 Commissioners Office corrected the flow line of the drainage ditch
• Westwood LOA opened up the drainage easement, from Teakwood to 1488
• Pct 2 Commissioners Office opened up the roadside ditches, from Lotus to 1488
• Residents cleaned the debris from the Nickleberg Creek, from Riverwood to 2978.  

The result of this work was that fewer roads were flooded and three homes (instead of forty) had water damage.

Below is a list of other preventative measures completed by the Precinct 2 Commissioners Office, and their results.  

Click here to read about other areas that were spared flooding due to the efforts of the Precinct 2 Commissioners Office.

MAJOR ROAD PROJECTS ARE BEING COMPLETED YEARS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

All of Precinct 2's numbered roads (such as 149, 1488, 242, I-45, etc.) are handled through the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT).  Although our office does not manage these State projects, I do work closely with TXDOT to convey our priorities and major needs.  Because of that, many projects that were set to begin in 2019, for example, are taking place right now.  For example, the 1774 overpass of the railroad tracks in Magnolia was not supposed to begin until 2019.  Because of our county's intervention, such as funding $5 million from the 2015 Road Bond, this project will be complete in the 1st quarter of 2019.  This type of joint effort between TXDOT and the county has sped up many projects on the timeline.  Another example is the widening of 1488 (from I-45 to 2978).  I advised TXDOT that there was enough room to re-stripe FM 1488 from 4 to 6 lanes without construction.  This could be achieved by narrowing the shoulders and middle lane.  TXDOT agreed and is performing a Traffic Impact Study, in preparation.  Once complete, the road will be re-striped to 6 lanes.  

You can read more about these projects in the Precinct 2 project list here.

I want to thank you all for your prayers and support for my family and me.  Consistently, I hear from you to keep it up and to press forward.  These words of encouragement mean so much to us.  Thank you for your support!  Here is a snippet from the River Plantation Community Improvement Association (RPCIA) Newsletter regarding Hurricane Harvey:

( see full letter from the RPCIA President here)

I remember those rough days like it was yesterday and I know that there is still a lot of work to do.  I want you to know that the honor is all mine.  Thank you for allowing me to help you during some of your darkest moments.  God bless you all and keep you safe as you rebuild!

I hope everyone has a great Wednesday.  I'm always here if you have any questions.  Please do not hesitate to contact my office any time.  The office number is 281-259-6492.  You mail also email me directly at charlie.riley@mctx.org

I'll see you soon!