Friendswood officials reported progress on several major drainage initiatives Monday night, including the imminent start of utility relocation work along Clear Creek and advancement of regional detention projects.Engineering Director Jildardo Arias told council that bids have been evaluated for the Clear Creek utility rack relocation project, funded through CDBG disaster recovery grants, with work potentially beginning as early as next month.
The city is also moving forward with the Deepwood flood control project along Clear Creek, though officials had to rebid the work after receiving only one response initially.
“Everything goes according to plan, we should see start seeing the last of the trees cleared out in the Deepwood area,” Arias said.
A collaborative project between multiple agencies to create the Friendswood Regional Stormwater Detention Basin is underway, with rough grading work progressing at the FM 1959 site. While initial cost estimates were around $32.4 million, current projections put the project closer to $20 million, though the final footprint is still being determined based on wetlands considerations.
The city is also launching development of a new comprehensive master drainage plan, with contracts being awarded for the 17-month effort. The plan will examine both major creek systems and neighborhood infrastructure, particularly focusing on older subdivisions built before modern drainage requirements.
“During Hurricane Harvey, of the 2,700 homes that flooded, 95% of them predated the year 1995,” noted City Manager Morad Kabiri. “Prior to that date we didn’t have any tangible drainage and detention requirements.”
