HOUSTON, Texas (July 24, 2014) – The 53rd U.S. Army Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lt. Gen. Thomas P. Bostick, met with key stakeholders from the Port of Houston Authority (POHA) and Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) to discuss Corps projects in the Galveston District during his July 23 visit to the region.
“We have developed strong partnerships within our local community and are fortunate to have our senior military officer here to see firsthand the benefits of collaborating to deliver navigation projects that achieve national and regional economic benefits,” said Col. Richard Pannell, commanding officer of the USACE Galveston District. “Additionally, our successful collaboration with the Harris County Flood Control District has resulted in delivering flood damage reduction projects in advance of what federal appropriations would have enabled us to deliver.”
While at the Port of Houston, Bostick was briefed about economic growth along the Houston Ship Channel. The presentation included an aerial tour that showcased industry along the upper and mid reaches of the channel to provide the general a better understanding of the largest petrochemical complex in the nation that comprises the port and is a significant economic driver in the region.
Bostick’s visit with key leaders in the community provided an opportunity to address ongoing projects, concerns and provide updates regarding Corps project options to maximize funding opportunities and streamline processes for navigation and flood risk management efforts. Following the port visit, Bostick met with HCFCD partners to discuss the permanent design plan proposed to replace the water control outlet structures at the Addicks and Barker reservoirs and dams and learn about local efforts to complete various flood damage reduction projects.
"We are very appreciative of the Corps' dedicated efforts to flood damage reduction projects in Harris County and proud of our partnership's accomplishments over the past 75 years," said Mike Talbott, HCFCD director. "Lt. Gen. T. Thomas P. Bostick's presence here is indicative of the Corps' strong commitment to this community, which unfortunately is prone to flooding. We are honored to meet with him to share thoughts on benefits of the long standing partnership, as well as several key flood damage reduction projects in which we are local partners with the Corps, including Addicks and Barker reservoirs, Sims Bayou Federal Flood Damage Reduction Project and Flood Control District lead projects on Brays, Hunting and White Oak bayous - projects that will provide increased flood protection for thousands of homes and businesses."
Before departing, Bostick took time to recognize and thank the agencies for their continued commitment to deliver flood damage reduction projects in the greater Houston area that benefit the residents, state and nation.
The Galveston District plays a key role in America’s well-being by keeping waterways open for navigation and commerce, encompassing the Texas coast from Louisiana to Mexico; an area that spans across 50,000 square miles and includes the maintenance and oversight of 750 miles of shallow draft and 250 miles of deep draft channels while providing employment opportunities that energize our nation’s economy and reduce risks from disasters.
Pictures from the visit can be found on Flickr at . Learn more about the Houston Ship Channel’s development at http://www.portofhouston.com/inside-the-port-authority/channel-development/ and the Harris County Flood Control District at http://www.hcfcd.org/. Visit the district’s Dam Safety Program at http://www.swg.usace.army.mil/Missions/DamSafetyProgram.aspx or for more news and information, log onto www.swg.usace.army.mil. Find us on Facebook, www.facebook.com/GalvestonDistrict or follow us on Twitter, https://twitter.com/usacegalveston.