The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) is proud to announce the launch of a new Web Map Service (WMS)-based “Easement Notification Area” map. This innovative tool aims to support landowners, developers, and other stakeholders by providing critical information regarding the proximity of properties to flood control easements.
The newly developed Geographic Information Systems-based “Easement Notification Area” map represents a major step forward in flood control planning. Created through a coordinated effort between USDA-NRCS, Texas Water Development Board and TSSWCB staff, the interactive tool allows users to identify the general proximity of flood control easements to specific locations through search features such as address input and zoom functions. This resource will be invaluable for landowners, developers, and planners seeking to make informed decisions about property development while avoiding potential impacts to critical flood control infrastructure.
For over 70 years, the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) has constructed 2,038 floodwater-retarding structures, or dams, across Texas through federal programs. These dams play a vital role in protecting lives and property by reducing floodwater velocity and mitigating the impacts of flooding. Collectively, they provide more than $600 million in annual benefits to Texans.
These earthen dams that are often located on private property, were designed and built with the understanding that local sponsors—including Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), cities, counties, water control improvement districts, river authorities, and other special purpose districts—would be responsible for their long-term maintenance and operation. Many of these structures are now more than 50 years old and they require significant maintenance, repairs, or upgrades to meet modern safety standards. Currently, 752 dams are classified as high hazard, indicating a potential loss of life should the structure fail, with only 145 of these meeting necessary safety criteria. Addressing these concerns is a growing priority as urban development continues to expand across the state.
Recognizing the importance of these flood control dams, the Texas Legislature has appropriated funds to TSSWCB to support maintenance and rehabilitation efforts through two key programs: the Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Grant Program and the Structural Repair and Rehabilitation Grant Program. These programs provide grants to SWCDs to ensure that flood control structures continue to serve their protective function effectively.
“TSSWCB remains committed to protecting lives, property, and public infrastructure through proactive flood control efforts,” said John Foster, Programs Officer at TSSWCB. “This GIS-based map enhances transparency and accessibility, helping stakeholders understand the location of flood control easements and make better-informed decisions.”
For more information and to access the Easement Notification Area map, please visit: Flood Control Easement Area