In March of 2023, the City submitted a proposal for the FY24 Community Grant Funding program through the office of Congressman Troy Nehls. In April of 2024, the City was notified that our proposal was accepted, and funding in the amount of $1,000,000 was appropriated through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Although the funding has been appropriated to the City of Sugar Land, an application to EPA is required to secure the funds. There is a required local match of 20% or $200,000.
 
In 2018, a citywide study was conducted due to floods from 2015 - 2017, which included Riverbend South and Plantation Bend for excessive flooding concerns. The study identified 5 areas for storm drain improvements in the area. The City’s 2019 GO Bond funded improvements in 2 areas, which construction was completed in May 2023.
 
This project includes storm sewer upsizing, inlet replacement and associated pavement replacement along Plantation Bend Dr. The proposed improvements will reduce the ponding elevation during a 100-year storm event by up to 0.8 feet, reducing street ponding to a maximum depth of 12” on top of the curb. Currently, the area experiences long-duration ponding in excess of 4 hours during major storm events, which negatively impacts emergency response in the area. Once the project is complete, the ponding duration will be less than 4 hours during the 100-year event.
 
City Staff is committed to completing the proposed improvements promptly in preparation for future hurricane seasons, and we anticipate that construction will take approximately 12 months to complete. The Strategic Government Affairs, Budget, and Engineering Departments recommend approval of Resolution 25-18 for the Plantation Bend Drainage Improvements and authorize a budget amendment in the amount of up to $1,000,000.00 to expenditures and revenues.