Flood Control Dam Infrastructure Projects - Supplemental Funding

Overview

Projects to repair and rehabilitate flood control structures across Texas will now be funded due to a $150 million appropriations bill legislators passed this session. The Governor signed the bill into law on June 6, 2019. These structures serve as a critical protection for our state’s infrastructure, private property, and lives. The State appropriated the funds to the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) to administer through grants to the local sponsors of Flood Control Dams, including Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs).

Currently there are 2,041 dams which were originally built by the United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) through federal programs in Texas with the understanding that local sponsors would supply operation and maintenance. Local sponsors include Soil and Water Conservation Districts (a subdivision of state government), cities, counties, water control improvement districts, river authorities, and other special purpose districts.

There are 622 dams that are classified as high hazard, meaning there is a potential loss of life if the dam fails; however, only 123 of these meet high hazard criteria. That means that currently 499 dams need rehabilitation and upgrade to meet safety criteria that will adequately protect lives downstream totaling over $1.5 billion, including anticipated federal and local match over a ten-year period.

Project List

In the event that a project on the list below is not prepared to move forward for any reason, it may be moved down in priority and others may be added or upgraded in ranking.