Between 2004 and 2006, the City of Sugar Land installed a Flood Early Warning System (FEWS). This system included 16 gauge stations located in channels, bayous and detention basins in the north, central and eastern parts of the City. The FEWS measures rainfall and water levels using rain and water level sensors and gauges to provide real time information that is used with the integrated storm water model to predict and warn us of potential flooding. Since that time, the hardware and software technology has become outdated, and currently the installed system could lose more than 30% of the data during a storm due to the number of gauges within the region. City staff concluded it is necessary to update the existing system and to install additional gauges to increase coverage of the city, including Greatwood and New Territory.

On July 18, 2017, City Council approved Resolution No. 17-18 supporting the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) application. The Engineering Department submitted the application on July 27, 2017. The grant has since been awarded on December 4, 2018, in the amount of $199,990.00 (Federal Cost Share is 75% or $149,997.50 and Local Cost Share is 25% or $49,997.50). This grant will support upgrading the existing FEWS to the latest technology as well as improving precipitation and stream gauge coverage of the entire city. The existing 16 gauges will be upgraded to the newest technology and 12 new gauges will be installed in areas to increase our coverage. 

With the approval of accepting this HMGP grant, the following actions will follow:  

• A budget amendment will be requested in February to cover the upfront cost. The HMGP will reimburse 75% of all expenses related to the procurement, update, fabrication and installation of the 28 rain and flood gauges.

• Approval of an agreement with Harris County Flood Control District for the fabrication of 12 new gauges, update of 16 existing gauges, installation and maintenance of all gauges at the locations approved in the HMGP application in early spring 2018.

• Installation of the 28 rain and flood gauges in Summer 2019.

• Request reimbursement of $149,997.50 (75% of the cost of the project) from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, after installation is completed in late Summer 2019.

The Engineering Department recommends City Council accept the HMGP award in the amount of $199,990.