Congressmen Al Green and John Culberson Pass Amendments to Prioritize Flood Mitigation Projects

(Washington, DC)—Representatives John Culberson (TX-07) and Al Green (TX-09) passed amendments to the Water Resources Development Act of 2016. The amendments would expedite Project Brays Bayou, a major flood mitigation project in Houston, and give priority to Army Corps of Engineers' flood mitigation projects in areas that have received a disaster declaration and where there has been loss of life.

Houston residents have suffered through two major flood events in the last 18 months. Many of the residents surrounding Brays Bayou experienced damage to their homes and businesses in both floods. It is imperative for Project Brays to be completed as quickly as possible to prevent any further damage during future flood events.  

“Houstonians have truly suffered with the loss of their homes and businesses during the last two major flood events. My amendment will expedite completion of Brays Bayou, which will remove 29,000 homes and businesses from the one percent floodplain,” Rep. Culberson said. “The city has experienced two major flood disasters and completing ongoing flood mitigation projects will help protect our families and our property. I would like to thank Chairman Shuster and the committee for their support of this important amendment to benefit Houstonians.”  

Rep. Culberson and Green’s amendments passed by a voice vote.

In addition, Congressman Culberson joined Congressman Al Green in passing an amendment that would prioritize flood mitigation projects in areas where floods have caused a loss of life, like Houston.

“I am honored to cosponsor Congressman Culberson’s amendment to expedite Project Brays Bayou, which is so vital to the well-being of our city. This amendment recognizes the importance of expediting a major flood control project in Houston, such that damage to property and lives lost can be mitigated when future floods occur. I would also like to thank Congressmen Culberson and Gene Green for cosponsoring my amendment, which prioritizes Army Corp of Engineers' flood control projects, in areas with a disaster declaration and loss of life, such that they can be fully funded,” Rep. Al Green said. “I will continue to work with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to make funding for local flood control efforts a top priority for Congress.”