During the first legislative session since Hurricane Harvey, state lawmakers are poised to make an investment in storm recovery and flood mitigation that some have described as unprecedented. But it’s more complicated than that.
hurricanes
Posted in
In Harvey's Wake
Texas Senate leaders unveil $1.8 billion package of disaster relief bills
In the first session since Hurricane Harvey, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and three top senators are pushing a legislative package aimed at preparing the state for natural disasters.
Posted in
Environment
Report: Harris County buyouts of flooded homes have been less than strategic
A new study by The Nature Conservancy and Texas A&M University says it’s more cost effective to buy out homes in clusters instead of an uncoordinated, checkerboard approach.
Posted in
Protecting the Coast
Galveston residents weigh in on hurricane levee proposal that some call “a really bad, bad plan”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Texas General Land Office proposed a massive levee system for the Houston area in late October that would cost as much as $20 billion. It’s part of a larger plan to protect the state’s coastline from hurricane storm surge.
Posted in
In Harvey's Wake
Study says to fix Harvey-related housing damage, Houston needs $2 billion more in federal funds
Using new methodology that includes flood maps and hydraulic modeling, scientists and flood engineers worked with the city to find out which parts of Houston are still struggling post-Harvey, and what it’ll take to help residents recover.
Posted in
Protecting the Coast
Army Corps set to propose hurricane protection plan for Houston
For years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has studied how best to protect Houston from deadly hurricane storm surge. It will announce which one it thinks is best later this month.
Posted in
In Harvey's Wake
Nearly 10 percent of Texans displaced by Harvey still haven’t gone home, survey says
Meanwhile, 15 percent of homes damaged or destroyed by the storm are still unlivable. Yet FEMA and Texas officials aren’t keeping track of how many people remain displaced one year later.
Posted in
In Harvey's Wake
Debt, loss and faith: How three families are faring a year after Hurricane Harvey
The deadly storm was indiscriminate during its week of destruction. Texans living in the massive disaster area were thrust into a historic housing recovery effort rife with bureaucratic roadblocks, agonizing financial decisions and still-lingering anxieties.
Posted inState Government
Gov. Greg Abbott: Texas prepared for next Hurricane Harvey
“We are ready, and we are taking steps on a daily basis to make sure we will be able to address any challenge coming our way,” Abbott told reporters after a briefing President Donald Trump and federal emergency officials.
Posted in
Guides
Hurricane season starts June 1. Here are some ways Texans can prepare.
People along the Texas coast should consider buying insurance, packing an emergency supply kit and learning their evacuation routes now.
