ICYMI: Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Joins Groundbreaking for Poor Farm Ditch Infrastructure Improvement Project in West University Place, Southside Place

Monday, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) joined Commissioner Rodney Ellis, State Representative Ann Johnson, Mayor Andy Chan, Mayor Susan Sample, and Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) Executive Director Marcus Y. Stuckett, P.E., CFM, to break ground on the Poor Farm Ditch project. The project will repair one of the county's oldest stormwater drainage ditches, increasing the channel's capacity from a 10-year storm event to a 50-year storm event, providing enhanced flood protection for West University Place, Southside Place, and the area.

"The Poor Farm Ditch project reminds us how government is supposed to work," said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. "This project has been years in the making, and it only happened because passionate advocates made sure it got done by building a coalition, engaging community members, addressing concerns, and working with people on both sides of the aisle at every level of government. I was glad to secure nearly $10 million through the Community Project Funding process in Congress to get this project moving. Thanks to the leadership of Mayor Andy Chan and Mayor Susan Sample, and the partnership of many, we are making real progress in protecting residents and making our community more resilient."

"As our region continues to grow and weather becomes more extreme, investing in flood mitigation is essential," said State Representative Ann Johnson. "Protecting our neighborhoods requires long-term commitment, and I'm proud to help deliver projects that make our community safer and more resilient for generations to come."

"We stand here today as a testament to what can be achieved when all levels of government work together," said Mayor Andy Chan. "I thank all our partners from local, county, state and federal government. As the Mayor of the City of Southside Place, I want to express my deep gratitude to current and former city council members, city staff, and the community. We did this together!"

"This project means Poor Farm Ditch will be able to carry about 60% more stormwater during heavy rain events, lowering flood risk for the homes, businesses, and streets in Southside Place and West University Place that depend on this channel," said Marcus Y. Stuckett, P.E., CFM, Executive Director of the Harris County Flood Control District. "It is a clear example of the power of federal, state, county, and local partners coming together to invest in this community's resilience."

In 2022, Congresswoman Fletcher requested and secured nearly $10 million in federal funding to reconstruct the Poor Farm Ditch through the Community Project Funding (CPF) process in Congress. The funding was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, a bipartisan government funding bill that funds essential programs and projects, including the Poor Farm Ditch project. President Biden signed the bill into law on December 29, 2022.

The widening and deepening of approximately 3,100 linear feet of the existing concrete-lined channel, increasing the channel's flow capacity by 60%, and replacing the concrete lining between Bellaire Boulevard and University Boulevard, will benefit areas that have experienced repeated flooding events and severe damage. Construction on the Poor Farm Ditch project is expected to begin in September 2026, lasting approximately four years.