Flood Control District completes Horsepen Creek basin project

The Harris County Flood Control District recently completed the final phase on the storm water detention basin located along Horsepen Creek in northwest Harris County.

The basin is a 175-acre site at the upstream end of the creek, approximately one-half mile east of Barker-Cypress Road, just north of West Road, according to a district release.

The basin is surrounded by residential neighborhoods, including Canyon Lakes at Stonegate on the basin's north and west sides. Copper Lakes is just to the south, and the basin is east of Lone Star College Cy-Fair.

The last phase of the project included significant regrading of detention basin slopes as well as regrading of the weir structure. The weir serves as a spillway, allowing storm water rising in the Horsepen Creek channel to spill into the basin during times of heavy rain.

The storm water is temporarily stored in the basin and is slowly released back into the creek, avoiding bank flooding.

N&Z Contracting was awarded the nearly $1.3 million contract to complete the final phase, which now can contain approximately 360-million gallons of storm water that would otherwise flood homes and businesses. It will also help reduce flooding risks for those living downstream along Horsepen Creek.

Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Steve Radack has announced plans to develop a county park with a trail, playground, parking lot, picnic tables, exercise areas, water fountains and a restroom on the south side peninsula of the basin. An eventual dog park will be located on the north peninsula and will include trails and more parking.

The Harris County Flood Control District provides projects that reduce flooding risks and damages from bayous and creeks, with appropriate regard for community and natural values. With more than 1,500 bayous and creeks totaling approximately 2,500 miles in length, the Flood Control District accomplishes its mission by devising flood damage reduction plans, implementing the plans and maintaining the infrastructure.

The Harris County Flood Control District is at 9900 Northwest Freeway, Houston.

For more information, call 713-684-4000 or visit www.hcfcd.org.