During a recent city council meeting, Anne Watkins, owner of Watkins Group Realty, raised urgent concerns regarding persistent flooding at the intersection of West Montgomery and Victory. Despite a capital improvement project in 2022 that allocated $6.4 million for flood mitigation, Watkins reported that only $500,000 was utilized, leaving her business vulnerable to repeated flooding events.

Watkins detailed her struggles, stating that her office has flooded three times since 2020, forcing her to consider relocation. She emphasized the unacceptable nature of flooding every two years, particularly in a city where residents pay taxes for infrastructure improvements. Watkins expressed frustration over conflicting information from city officials, who indicated that the flooding was planned to occur biannually, a claim she contested.

The council members acknowledged the ongoing flooding issues and committed to collaborating with public works to investigate the allocation of funds and the effectiveness of the previous project. Watkins urged the council to ensure that the necessary measures are taken to protect her business and the surrounding community from future flooding.

Robbie Ward, representing a family-owned business in Houston, also addressed the council, highlighting the importance of local businesses and their contributions to the community. The discussions underscored the pressing need for effective flood management solutions in Houston, particularly in areas that have historically faced such challenges.