District E staff had the privilege to participate in the 2024 Citizens for Space Exploration trip to Washington D.C. Citizens for Space Exploration is a grassroots organization that makes yearly trip to Washington D.C. to meet with elected officials to promote awareness of the benefits of America’s Human Space Exploration Program and support for NASA. This year was the 32nd trip made by the organization, with a total of 75 travelers, including 27 students, representing 19 states, and met with over 280 Representative offices over 2 days. During these meetings it was emphasized the critical role that NASA plays in advancing scientific discovery, technological innovation, and national security, and highlighted the potential benefits of continued funding for space exploration, including economic growth, job creation, and inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.

On Friday, May 24th, Council Members Fred Flickinger and Twila Carter took a tour of the Lake Houston Dam Spillway along with leadership from Houston Public Works. This engaging tour provided an opportunity for a firsthand look at the vital infrastructure that helps safeguard the region's drinking water supply and helps to lessen the impacts of flooding. The visit helped the Council Members deepen their understanding of the dam's operations while underscoring the City's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the local community.

The Council Members were also able to see the gate that had a broken chain and learn about the process for repairing the chain. The chains have now been replaced on both tainter gates. These chains are expected to last 15 years before needing to be replaced again.

The Lake Houston Dam Spillway Improvement Project was approved for funding by FEMA until 2019. The age of the Lake Houston Dam Spillway, built in 1953, proved a huge obstacle for this project as it continued to move forward. Originally, six different alternatives of the project were proposed. Another factor complicating the project was the cost variations between alternatives as project costs were outside of the initial federally funded amount, of $48 million. The City of Houston worked diligently with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and FEMA to find the option with the highest benefit-to-cost ratio (BCR). In December of 2022, the revised BCR completed by the City's consultant for an eleven-gate structure was deemed federally compliant and very favorable. The eleven gates will be built into the existing embankment on the east side of the Lake Houston Dam Spillway. Building the new gate structure in the east embankment removes the high-construction risk of modifying the existing gate structure and allows continued use of the existing gate structure during construction. Each gate will be 20 ft x 20 ft and release approximately 7,100 cubic feet of water per second (cfs) per gate when fully open. The combined total water release of all 11 gates will be approximately 79,000 cfs.

The current timeline is to have the final design and construction plans completed by Q1 2025, bid and award the contract for construction in Q3 of 2025, and begin construction by Q1 2026. The District E office continues to sit on bi-weekly coordination meetings for this project. All parties are committed to constructing these additional gates to ensure protection against future flood events.

Last week, the District E office had the pleasure of presenting a certificate at the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the New Outpatient Surgery Department at HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood. This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of the residents of Kingwood and the surrounding areas. The ceremony was attended by community leaders, hospital staff, and renowned healthcare professionals, all celebrating this important milestone in the advancement of medical care in the region.

The District E office is proud to have supported this remarkable project and looks forward to continuing to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the continued progress and prosperity of the local community.

The City of Houston is improving services for residents who experienced severe property damage from the derecho severe weather event. The Houston Permitting Center and the Planning and Development Department are expediting the permitting and plan review process. The accelerated services will help the community repair their homes and properties without delays.

Read the full press release here: https://bit.ly/3Kh7XgO

Houston Airports is urging travelers to arrive to Bush Airport at least 3 hours before their flight this summer, even for domestic flights. For context, the national rule of thumb is to arrive 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours before international flights. 

This summer, Houston Airports is expecting 'never before seen' passenger totals, 1.3 million passengers. Airlines are adding more than 60 new flights in/out of Bush Airport to the daily schedule. More flights and new destinations are driving up passenger totals, a positive sign for Houston's economy. 

HOW TO PREPARE THE PUBLIC:

Reserve Parking | More passengers mean less available parking. Travelers should reserve parking online at least 12 hours before arriving to the airport at www.Fly2Houston.com/parking. It's the only way to guarantee a parking spot closest to the airport. (Media covering the airports should reserve parking in advance, too.) 

Arrive Early | Record travelers at Bush Airport may create challenges and may cause delays, especially for those traveling in large groups or with family. Arriving early allows passengers the additional time needed to park or reach the Departures curb, print tickets, check baggage, clear TSA security and reach their gates. 

Peak Hours | Peak holiday travel times are from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. During peak hours, all travelers should especially strive to arrive to the airport at least 3 hours before their flights.

CHANGE IS COMING:

Houston Airports is building a new international terminal, that will be completed and open by summer 2025. This new terminal will support increased road and curb capacity.

The temporary pick-up location for international arrivals located on South Terminal Rd will close this winter and move to the permanent and improved pick-up area in the new International Central Processor.

The new terminal will have 11 dedicated lanes for Departures lanes and 8 dedicated lanes for Arrivals.

Earlier this month, Houston Airports opened more than 600 new spaces in the C/D/E Parking garage as part of ITRP.

Council Member Fred Flickinger would like to make Kingwood area residents aware that Houston Public Works will begin the Tree Lane Bridge Rehabilitation Project beginning Monday, April 8, 2024, and scheduled to conclude Monday, September 9, 2024, weather permitting.

The scope of work includes repairs to the Ben's Branch channel and columns of the bridge, ensuring that the structural integrity of the bridge is bolstered to withstand potential scour/erosion challenges. The project cost is $909,000 and is funded by the dedicated drainage and street renewal fund.

The rehabilitation project is a necessary response to the rip rap failures under the bridge, which have resulted in severe scour/erosion, posing potential risks to access and safety. Furthermore, the channel condition under the bridge has been identified as a significant contributor to the flooding of Ben’s Branch natural stream, emphasizing the urgency of implementing immediate improvements for flood prevention and protection.

As a result of the construction activities, please be aware of flagmen and orange traffic cones that will be put in place on-site to help with traffic flow through the construction zone as the project will require one lane closure at times. Businesses and residents will have access to driveways and sidewalks at all times and may experience an increase in noise levels due to trucks and equipment in the area.

With hurricane season here, it is crucial for Houston residents to make preparations and have a solid emergency plan in place. Given Houston's historical vulnerability to hurricanes, it's imperative to take proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and your loved ones.

Begin by assembling an emergency kit that includes non-perishable food, water, necessary medications, and essential supplies such as flashlights, batteries, and first aid items. It's important to have enough supplies to last at least 72 hours in the event of an evacuation or loss of power.

Familiarize yourself with the evacuation routes in your area and have a communication plan in place with your family and loved ones. Stay informed about the weather by monitoring local news and weather alerts, and consider investing in a weather radio for reliable updates.

Review your insurance coverage, particularly for flood insurance, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you are adequately protected in the event of storm-related damage.

Take the time to trim any trees or shrubs around your property to reduce the risk of debris during a storm, and secure any outdoor items that could become projectiles in high winds.

Being proactive and prepared for the upcoming hurricane season is key to ensuring the safety and security of the community. By taking these steps now, we can minimize the potential impact of severe weather and safeguard ourselves and our community.

Do you know your zones? The Lake Houston Safety Plan provides Lake Houston residents and visiting recreational users with information that prepares them to better identify their location on the lake and how to best report a lake incident to 9-1-1 dispatchers.

The "Know Your Zone" map was created by District E in collaboration with the Houston Fire Department, Houston Police Department, Houston Planning Department, Houston Office of Emergency Management, Houston Emergency Center, and the Houston Public Works Department. To date, signs have been installed at Deussen Park, East End Park, River Grove Park, Kings Harbor, W Lake Houston Parkway Bridge, and on the FM 1960 Bridge.

To learn more about the Lake Houston Safety Plan visit the Know Your Zone website, here. There you can print your own maps, share with neighbors, post on social media, and #knowyourzone. To request a presentation for your group (HOA, Civic Club etc.) or receive resources directly, please email the District E Office at districte@houstontx.gov.