Dear GCCDD residents,

I hope this message finds you well. I want to take a moment to express our deep gratitude for the incredible partnership we have forged with Dr. Sam Brody and his exceptional team at the Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas. Their commitment to our mission at the Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District (GCCDD) is not just commendable; it is a vital component in our ongoing fight against the life-threatening flooding that impacts our communities. Please be sure to read his letter at the bottom of this post!

Dr. Brody's expertise and the multidisciplinary approach of his team bring invaluable resources to our shared goal of enhancing flood resilience in the Gulf Coast region. From high-resolution data collection to innovative modeling techniques, their efforts will undoubtedly pave the way for effective and sustainable flood mitigation strategies that will benefit our residents for years to come.

As we move forward, I encourage everyone to stay engaged and support this collaborative initiative. Together, we can make significant strides toward a safer, more resilient future for Friendswood, League City, and the surrounding areas.

Thank you for your dedication to this critical cause. Let’s share this message widely and ensure that our communities are aware of the impactful work being done.

Warm regards,

-- Rusty Burkett, GCCDD Board President

Letter from Dr. Sam Brody:

Dear Rusty and Team,

It was a pleasure meeting with you and the GCCDD team once again to advance our shared goal of mitigating flood risks in the Friendswood and League City communities. This project holds special significance for me personally, having once been a resident of Friendswood. At the Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas (IDRT), we are honored to be part of this collaborative effort and are committed to addressing the nuanced challenges of flood management in our region.

This initiative aligns with IDRT’s core mission: bridging the gap between academic research and practical solutions to enhance disaster resilience and support real-world change. Tackling the complexities of flood mitigation requires a multidisciplinary approach. To that end, we’ve assembled a diverse team of specialists, including Dr. Nick Diaz, a drone reconnaissance expert, Dr. Andrew Juan, a hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) modeler, and Dr. Bas Jonkman, a coastal engineer with extensive experience in flood control.

Together, we are actively pursuing several initiatives to support the GCCDD’s efforts:

High-resolution data collection: Using state-of-the-art drones and offshore scanning technologies, we will gather precise geospatial data for Clear Creek and Clear Lake. This initiative will help us identify obstructions and silting levels, ultimately improving the water conveyance capacity of the system.

Redefining the floodplain: Our team will conduct enhanced flood hazard modeling through H&H simulations to create more accurate, up-to-date floodplain models. These forecasts will identify risks and guide more effective mitigation strategies.

Supporting the 'Sponge-Land' concept: We are excited to help develop your vision for ‘Sponge-land’ within the Clear Lake system. By restoring and expanding wetland habitats, we aim to increase water storage capacity and reduce flood risks for nearby communities.

These innovative approaches are designed to reduce the physical and financial impacts of flooding, ensuring that residents can live safely and with greater peace of mind.

We look forward to continuing our partnership with the GCCDD and bringing these plans to life. Together, we can create a more resilient future for the Friendswood and League City communities.

Sincerely,

Sam