Frequently Asked Questions
The City of Friendswood is developing a comprehensive Master Drainage Plan (MDP) to evaluate current drainage conditions and guide future investments. The study will assess both current and future flood risks through updated, comprehensive flood modeling that incorporates major channels and storm sewer systems to assess both riverine and urban flooding risk. The updated MDP will contain actionable drainage improvement recommendations and outline a roadmap for safer streets, better emergency preparedness, and a more resilient future for the community.
The Vision for the MDP includes:
- Collaboration that drives shared investment and long-term success.
- Using the Master Drainage Plan as a dynamic roadmap for current and future planning.
- Effectively engaging with stakeholders and residents of Friendswood.
- Identifying targeted solutions tailored to Friendswood’s specific goals and needs.
- Outlining a clear path towards implementation considering design challenges and funding.
- Reducing flood risk and improving resilience within the City by:
- Assessing areas of high existing and future risk.
- Identifying drainage improvement projects.
- Outlining project funding and implementation strategies.
- Project recommendations at small, medium, and large scales that consider both regional and local solutions.
- Flood risk information for emergency management and flood awareness.
- A planning roadmap to guide future City decision-making.
- A centralized database of drainage and infrastructure information for City use.
Despite progress, flooding remains a persistent concern. The City of Friendswood continues to face:
- Aging infrastructure in older parts of town.
- The need to better align drainage plans and projects across jurisdictional boundaries.
- More intense and frequent rainfall events that exceed the capacity of older systems.
Flood mitigation, and the community’s safety remain a top priority for Friendswood. City officials actively collaborate with county, state, and federal agencies on long-term solutions. The community remains engaged, and local leaders continue working to balance growth with the need for responsible, flood-conscious development.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a foundational environmental law in the United States, enacted in 1970. NEPA is a federal law that requires government agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions before they are carried out. It doesn’t mandate specific environmental outcomes, but it does require transparency, analysis, and public input.
Why NEPA Matters:
- Informed Decision-Making: NEPA ensures that federal decision-makers are fully aware of environmental consequences before acting.
- Protects Natural Resources: It helps minimize harm to air, water, wildlife, and ecosystems.
- Encourages Sustainable Development: By requiring consideration of alternatives, it promotes better, less harmful solutions.
- Gives the Public a Voice: NEPA public meetings and comment periods are critical forums for community concerns.
NEPA plays a key role in shaping flood control and development projects in cities like Friendswood, Texas, particularly when federal funding, permits, or agency involvement is part of the process. Friendswood is especially vulnerable to flooding due to Clear Creek, flat terrain, and heavy rainfall events like Hurricane Harvey. Many flood control projects here involve federal agencies such as:
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
Whenever these agencies are involved in a project, whether for funding, construction, or permitting—NEPA is triggered. NEPA requires public notice and comment, so Friendswood residents have a legal opportunity to:
- Attend public meetings
- Submit feedback during comment periods
- Influence decisions about where, how, and whether flood control and development projects move forward
FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) is a federal program designed to help communities reduce future disaster losses after a major disaster declaration. It provides funding for long-term, cost-effective hazard mitigation projects that aim to protect people and property from future natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, wildfires, and earthquakes. In the City of Friendswood’s case, the HMGP funding will be used for improving the drainage system, and acquiring land for green space or detention ponds, which will help reduce the damage and financial burden of future disasters.
The goal of HMGP is to break the cycle of disaster-rebuild-disaster by investing in projects that make communities safer and more resilient. Instead of just rebuilding after a disaster, HMGP focuses on building smarter to reduce future risk.
Funding and Cost Share for the Friendswood MDP:
- FEMA will pay up to 75% of the eligible project cost.
The remaining 25% will be provided by non-federal sources, by the City of Friendswood.
The City of Friendswood Engineering is leading the development of the Master Drainage Plan, with Halff serving as the Prime Consultant and Gauge Engineering providing program management support.
The MDP will build upon existing studies and data from the City of Friendswood to identify critical drainage problem areas (both riverine and urban in nature) and to develop practical and cost-effective solutions to reduce risk and strategically manage future development. In addition, the MDP will provide the City with enhanced flood risk information to promote flood awareness, complete CIP planning, and prepare for emergency response.
City of Friendswood Contacts:
- Director of Engineering and City Engineer, Jildardo Arias: jarias@friendswood.com
- Engineering Department: engineering@friendswood.com
- Director of Communications, Glenda Faulkner: gfaulkner@friendswood.com
