GCCDD Blog

Welcome back to the Galveston County Consolidated Drainage District (GCCDD) Blog!

We are thrilled to share the momentous news from the first official meeting of the newly elected May 2024 GCCDD board. This special meeting, held on Friday, May 17th at 1 PM, marked a historic occasion as it was the first time in GCCDD history that a majority-elected board conducted business for the district. This event signifies a new era where decisions about the taxpayers funds provided by our citizens are being made directly by their elected representatives.

Key Milestones Achieved

During this inaugural meeting, the new board swiftly fulfilled a major campaign promise by passing a homestead exemption. This issue was a cornerstone of the 2022 campaign for our new Board President, Rusty Burkett. After facing numerous "no" votes over the past two years, the board unanimously passed a 10% homestead exemption with a 5-0 vote, bringing long-awaited relief to our homeowners.

In addition to the homestead exemption, the board also honored another campaign promise by changing the meeting times to better accommodate taxpaying citizens. Meetings will now be held at 6 PM on the second Tuesday of each month at the district office. Furthermore, we are excited to announce that all meetings will be live-streamed, with videos available on the district’s website for later viewing. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and accessibility for all residents.

Commitment to Transparency and Flood Mitigation

The new board is dedicated to serving taxpayers in the most open and visible environment ever seen at the GCCDD. Our primary concern is to lower water levels in Friendswood and throughout the League City portion of our district during flooding events, thereby preventing the kind of catastrophic flooding that affected 3,000 structures during Hurricane Harvey. While it took decades to reach our current situation, the new board is committed to steady work to mitigate and resolve these drainage and flooding issues.

We are also focused on holding our northern neighbors accountable for the flooding waters that deluge Friendswood and the district. It is time for state and federal officials to step up and provide the relief that Friendswood and district citizens deserve. We encourage you to communicate with your elected officials and demand the relief you need. The GCCDD will be your ally in this effort.

Responsible Development and Community Participation

Responsible development that does not exacerbate our current water issues is paramount. The GCCDD is committed to eliminating excess water, lowering water levels during major flooding events, and ensuring proper water conveyance out of the district.

We cordially invite you to attend our district meetings and encourage your participation. Signup sheets for public comments will be available at the entrance. The board values hearing from all the residents.

Thank you, take care, and we hope to see you around the district.

--Rusty Burkett, GCCDD Board President

Hide