District launches online Addicks and Barker construction story map

Published Sept. 29, 2014

GALVESTON, Texas (Sept. 29, 2014) – Residents will soon be able to track construction schedules, detours and upcoming events related to the Addicks and Barker dams’ safety modification project thanks to story map technology located online at http://geospatial.swf.usace.army.mil/AddicksBarker2/index.html.

“It’s the first time we’ve used this type of interactive web application to inform residents and recreational users about our construction plans,” said Ric Vera, geospatial manager with the USACE Galveston District. “The story map combines the location of the dams and recreational facilities with multimedia content to make it easy for viewers to find information while allowing us to post updates to keep viewers apprised of our construction progress.”

The nearly 70-year-old structures were designated as Dam Safety Action Classification System Class 1 in 2009 and underwent a series of interim risk reduction measures until long-term solutions could be implemented.

“The rating moved this infrastructure up to the front of the line for funding for repairs and studies,” said Ricky Villagomez, civil engineer and Addicks and Barker project manager.

According to Villagomez, the public is invited to a public meeting Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at Bear Creek Community Center (3055 Bear Creek Drive, Houston) to learn more about the series of measures that will be implemented over the next four years, beginning in May 2015.

“We will be working in areas within the dams that double as recreational sites such as George Bush and Bear Creek parks,” said Villagomez. “Our primary objective is to maintain public safety both by ensuring that the dams we own and operate are safe and that risks to the public are minimized. Having this online story map tool is just one more way of communicating our efforts.”

Vera says the story map tool allows users to quickly pinpoint the location of ongoing work and determine alternate routes as well be kept up to date about the construction timeline. The site also features links to social media sites include Twitter, Facebook and Flickr as well as a link to the district’s website and a survey to enable feedback from the public (https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SR6QZR3).

For news and information, visit www.swg.usace.army.mil. Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/GalvestonDistrict, follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/USACEgalveston or Flickr at

Addicks Reservoir
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Release no. 14-055