The HCFCD is currently constructing a two-mile long drainage channel through south Tomball that is planned to empty into Willow Creek.

Heather Saucier, a spokesperson for the HCFCD, said the project would improve drainage of storm water primarily in the southwest sector of the city, and parts lying outside the city west of SH 249.

At left, work began in June on a new drainage channel that will improve storm water drainage in southwest Tomball.

“Any time we increase the capacity of a channel, its going to reduce flooding risk,” she said.

The $4 million project will increase the capacity of the Willow Creek tributary that begins just south of West Main Street at Barbara Street and extends downstream flowing under SH 249 along to Willow Creek.

Saucier explained that the project will include the deepening and widening of the current channel that begins just south of Barbara Street.

“As it crosses under 249, we’re really going to be creating a new channel improving the flow of water,” she said.

The affected area, Saucier said, or “watershed,” is approximately 2 square miles, most of which covers the southwest portion of the City of Tomball.

According to the HCFCD, the project will consist of limited widening of the channel upstream of SH 249 and construction of a larger channel downstream of the highway to improve the conveyance of storm water to Willow Creek.

The District also will further excavate a storm water detention basin near the creek and SH 249 to offset the additional flow of storm water during times of heavy rain.

When complete, the basin will have the capacity to store approximately 90 million gallons of storm water. Approximately 383,000 cubic yards of soil will be excavated for the project.

Saucier explained that the project will not increase the risk of flooding in the surrounding areas.

“We want to reassure people, we never do a drainage project where we transfer flooding from one area to another,” she said.

Construction on the drainage channel began in June and is expected to be completed near the end of 2010. The contractor is Double Oak Construction, Inc.

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