The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has taken a significant step towards mitigating flood risk in the state by adopting the first-ever statewide flood plan. This comprehensive plan provides a detailed assessment of flood hazards and offers recommendations for effective flood control strategies.
The plan incorporates the findings of 15 regional flood plans, providing a comprehensive understanding of flood risks across the state. It identifies areas vulnerable to flooding and proposes solutions to reduce the impact of future flood events.
One of the key findings of the plan is that approximately one in every six people in Texas lives or works in known flood hazard areas. While the extent and types of flood hazards vary by region, the plan emphasizes the significant risk of flooding within all 15 planning regions.
To address these risks, the plan presents approximately 4,600 solutions, including flood management evaluations, flood mitigation projects, and flood management strategies. These solutions, if implemented, could significantly reduce the risk and impact of flooding in Texas.
The TWDB will update the state flood plan every five years based on the regional flood plans. This ongoing process will ensure that the plan remains relevant and effective in addressing evolving flood risks.
The 2024 State Flood Plan is now available on the TWDB website, providing a valuable resource for communities, policymakers, and stakeholders.