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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01082004 BSC Agenda Item 5 • • POOR FARM KILMAR g:�£ s� ^;�. A.�"q•'wxA •eis.x4* 2 'v..,w,.,r� Kw a�^rar," For Immediate Release Contact: Susan Elmore or Claudia Morlan Regional Study: 713-524-0661 Poor Farm & Kilmarnock Regional Study Nears Completion Public Meeting Scheduled Thursday, February 5, 2004 Pin Oak Middle School 4601 Glenmont Houston,TX,Nov.4,2003—The Poor Farm and Kilmarnock Regional Study(PFKRS) Group is nearing completion of its study and evaluation of the Poor Farm and Kilmarnock Ditches and will host a public meeting for residents on February 5,2004. The Study Group will present a summary of their findings and residents will have an opportunity to review the analyses, ask questions and comment. Residents are encouraged to attend the public meeting, as their feedback and support will be important to the advancement of the recommendations for improvements to Poor Farm Ditch and Kilmarnock Ditch. After the public meeting, the Study Group will complete their feasibility report, which will include a formal recommendation for improvement(s), and submit the feasibility report to the Harris County Flood Control District and the cities of Bellaire, Houston,Southside Place and West Univei city Place. Update on Poor Farm Ditch The Study Group identified the stretch of Poor Farm Ditch between University and Bellaire Boulevards as an area where increasing channel capacity, or the amount of water a channel can carry, is desired. The bridge on Bellaire Boulevard at Poor Farm Ditch was also identified as needing improvements to increase ditch flow capacity. Four concepts for improving the channel reach of Poor Farm Ditch between University and Bellaire Boulevards were studied and included: a concept to repair-only or rehabilitate the existing channel reach with no increase in capacity; construction of a grass-lined channel that would increase the capacity of the reach; expansion of the existing concrete-lined channel reach to increase the capacity; and a concept that encloses the channel and increases capacity. -more- Poor Farm and Kilmarno•egional Study Nears Completion • Page 2 Each of these concepts was evaluated to determine impacts along the channel and in any receiving bayous. For example, if increasing the capacity of a channel reach, the impact of that additional capacity must be determined and mitigated to prevent any increase in flood levels downstream. Cost analyses were conducted and potential environmental and construction inconveniences for each concept were also reviewed. Based on the information gathered about the concepts,the Study Group felt strongly that a recommendation to expand the existing concrete-lined reach to increase the capacity of Poor Farm Ditch between University Boulevard and Bellaire Boulevard, which would also include a replacement of the Bellaire Bridge, could garner community support. This concept was determined to be the most cost-effective way to obtain additional channel capacity while minimizing the impacts to the community and natural environment. Update on Kilmarnock Ditch The Study Group determined that the capacity of Kilmarnock Ditch is satisfactory throughout the ditch. However,restrictions of flow were identified at North Braeswood Bridge and the outfall or connection of Kilmarnock Ditch to Brays Bayou. Based on the information gathered about the concepts, the Study Group felt strongly that a recommendation to replace the North Braeswood Bridge and the outfall to Brays on Kilmarnock Ditch could garner community support. Study-to-Project Process The PFKRS was developed collaboratively to identify regional improvements to help reduce the risk of flooding in the area. The Study Group was charged with evaluating the Poor Farm and Kilmarnock Ditches and developing a recommendation(s)for improvement, which could be supported by the community. The Study Group Feasibility report will then be submitted to the Harris County Flood Control District and the cities of Bellaire, Houston, Southside Place and West University Place. Results of the PFKRS will be an asset to the Cities as they continue to plan for, design and construct improvements to their local drainage systems, while working with the Harris County Flood Control District to address regional flooding issues. The PFKRS sets the stage for the stakeholders to collaborate and move the recommendation from the study process to a formal project. These steps include showing public support and developing a funding strategy. -more- Poor Farm and Kilmarno•egional Study Nears Completion Page 3 The PFKRS Study Group The PFKRS Study Group includes representatives from drainage committees and the municipalities of Bellaire, Houston, Southside Place, West University Place, and the Harris County Flood Control District. The participants of the PFKRS are very interested in community input on possible improvements to the ditches. A website(www.pfkrs.org)with detailed information and a PFKRS comment line(713-684-4100) are available to residents and the general public. ###