Editor’s note: Barker and Addicks dams are for flood-control only. Operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, the floodgates are closed to hold back stormwater flowing into Buffalo Bayou only when there is a major rain downstream. (See also here.)
By Cynthia Neely of Residents Against Flooding, Houston, Texas, April 17, 2020
A few weeks ago, I organized a meeting and tour with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to see what has been done to improve Barker and Addicks dams since Hurricane Harvey. There were eight of us, representing various HOAs and organizations. We weren’t there to criticize or talk about the past, but rather to learn first-hand about what upgrades have been made.
The tour and interview were recorded on video. [Coming up soon.]
Richard Long, the Army Corps’ Natural Resource Management Specialist, spent a great deal of time showing us maps and information on his office computer. He answered some very tough questions. Many of us had flooded when the flood gates were opened after Hurricane Harvey.
The view from the top of Barker Dam in west Houston. Photo by Cynthia Neely.
What is going to happen to the bats at the Waugh Bridge? I hear the “improvements “ are going to require the bats be “moved”.
That’s unlikely. Not sure how to remove bats. But working on a report on those “improvements” around Waugh and elsewhere. If you know more, let us know.