The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey has shown the world the very real impact more frequent and severe disasters will have on our communities. It was a vivid reminder that flooding is the most common and costly disaster we face in America, and the urgent need to change the way we build infrastructure and strengthen communities at the local level. Simply put, it is not good enough to just build back after a catastrophe like Harvey, we must do so in a way that is faster, fairer, and smarter.

We are taking this challenge head-on. We’re investing billions into flood control and are doing whatever it takes to get the work done fast. We are making flood control the number one priority for county and will cut through any bureaucracy that stands in the way.  To ensure fairness, we’re prioritizing delivery of projects to help the most people as efficiently as possible, while making sure vulnerable communities are never left behind. And we’re being smarter about this recovery by relying on science, technology, and innovation as our guide. 

We want you to be a part of this process.  From start to finish we will be transparent about what we do, making decisions in the open. But we hope you can join us.  If you have ideas or comments on how to better protect our communities, contact us. In the meantime, please join us in taking action by preparing for disasters at the household level. You can learn what you can do now at ReadyHarris.org.

When it comes to flood control, it’s a new day in Harris County.  As tragic as Harvey was, it presents a historic opportunity to demonstrate what can happen when we’re smarter and more proactive about how we prepare and recover. Together, we can demonstrate to the nation and the world that Harris County can not only survive after Harvey, but thrive as a stronger, more resilient community ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century. 

Lina Hidalgo