Engineers report 5 million cubic feet increase in valley storage for Fort Worth project

The Benbrook Planning and Zoning meeting held on July 10, 2025, focused on significant developments regarding local flood management and infrastructure projects. The discussions primarily revolved around the excavation and channel realignment project aimed at improving valley storage and flood conveyance.

The meeting began with a presentation detailing the project's impact on valley storage, which is projected to increase from approximately 67 million cubic feet to over 72 million cubic feet. This enhancement is expected to provide an additional 5 million cubic feet of storage capacity, which is crucial for effective flood management.

A key point raised during the meeting was the modeling and statistical analysis used in the project. The speaker emphasized that the modeling adheres to standards set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The HEC-RAS model, which is widely recognized in the industry, was mentioned as the primary tool for these studies. The speaker assured attendees that sensitivity analyses are incorporated into the modeling process, although they noted the need to verify this detail.

Concerns were also expressed regarding public access to the modeling software and the ability of residents to interpret the outputs. The speaker indicated a willingness to share the models but acknowledged that understanding them may require specific expertise.

Additionally, the discussion touched on the presence of sanitary sewer lines in proximity to creeks, a common scenario in urban planning. The speaker clarified that while this may raise concerns, it is a standard practice in many cities to manage sewage effectively.

The meeting concluded with a reiteration of the importance of adhering to local and federal standards in flood management projects. The next steps involve continued monitoring and updates to the modeling software to ensure compliance and effectiveness in addressing flood risks in the Benbrook area.