Staff will present, review and discuss the results of the Brazos River Erosion Study.

The Engineer Department and our consultants will present an update and the final results of the Lower Brazos River Basin Floodplain Protection Study (Floodplain Study) and the Brazos River Erosion Study to City Council. Both of these have been instrumental in the City creating improved knowledge and understanding of the river dynamics and the watershed characteristics that impact Sugar Land every time an event occurs on the river.

The Floodplain Study has been supported by several key stakeholders within the lower basin of the Brazos River. These stakeholders include the counties of Brazoria, Fort Bend, Waller, Washington, and Austin along with the Velasco Drainage District, Pecan Grove MUD and the City of Sugar Land.  The study was paid for through a partnership with the Texas Water Development Board as part of a 50/50 grant application through the Brazos River Authority. Goals of this study included:

• Updating the Hydraulic and Hydrologic data for the lower Brazos River basin through 5 counties
• Calibrate new models to historical events and provide flood volumes, fold depths and flood durations
• Facilitate land use planning, emergency response and sound floodplain management
• Quantify existing flooding issues and flood damage reduction alternatives

The main objective of the erosion study was to develop a scientific methodology that would provide us with the ability to predict the river’s meander and to determine the most highly impacted areas for mitigation prioritization based on probability and consequences of failure. Staff will also present the discussions and feedbacks received at the stakeholders workshop, in which there were approximately 70 attendees.