Harris County commissioners approve funding for flood bond commitments and CDBG projects

During the Harris County Commissioners Court meeting on July 10, 2025, a pivotal motion was passed to secure funding for critical flood control projects. The court unanimously approved a motion to fund all existing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) commitments and other secured partnerships tied to the Harris County 2018 flood bond. This decision underscores the county's commitment to addressing flood risks and fulfilling obligations to federal and state partners.

Commissioner Ellis, who introduced the motion, emphasized the importance of maintaining these funding commitments to avoid jeopardizing future projects. He stated, "We need to protect the partnership dollars we've been given and continue with those as we have currently programmed." This sentiment was echoed by Commissioner Garcia, who highlighted the urgency of utilizing the CDBG funds effectively to prevent returning money to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The discussion also touched on the distinction between current and future project needs, with officials acknowledging that while current needs are pressing, future requirements will also need to be addressed. The court is expected to revisit these discussions in September, where they will evaluate the remaining budget of approximately $700 million for future quartile projects.

The meeting also included discussions on various other funding matters, including the potential for additional third-party consulting services related to compliance with the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). However, some commissioners expressed skepticism about the necessity of further external assistance, given the significant resources already allocated to compliance efforts.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the county's proactive approach to flood management and the importance of clear communication among commissioners to ensure effective decision-making moving forward. The unanimous approval of the funding motion marks a significant step in Harris County's ongoing efforts to enhance flood control infrastructure and safeguard its communities.