The 86th Texas Legislature passed several bills entrusting the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) with new responsibilities related to funding flood mitigation projects and planning for future flood events. On November 5, 2019, Texas voters approved Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) to assist in the financing of drainage, flood mitigation, and flood control projects, including:

• planning and design activities
• work to obtain necessary regulatory approvals
• construction and/or implementation of flood projects

The FIF program provides financial assistance in the form of loans and grants for flood control, flood mitigation, and drainage projects. After the City submitted an abridged application in June 2020 for the Austin Park-Chimneystone Drainage Improvements Project, the TWDB selected the project to submit the Full Application for a 5% Grant ($825,000.00) and a zero percent interest 30-year loan for the remaining 95% ($15,675,000) for a total of $16,500,000. The project is one of approximately 147 projects selected out of 285 projects submitted through the abridged application process.

The Engineering Department is requesting the City Council to approve Resolution No. 20-26, soliciting financial assistance from the TWDB; authorizing the filing of the application for assistance; and authorizing the City Manager, Michael W. Goodrum, to be and is hereby designated the authorized representative of the City of Sugar Land, Texas for purposes of furnishing such information and executing such documents as may be required in connection with the preparation and filing of such application for financial assistance and the rules of the TWDB.

Upon the approval of Resolution 20-26, the Engineering Department will submit the Full Grant Application for the Austin Park/Chimneystone Drainage Improvements Project for a total dollar amount of $16,500,000. This application is due on November 5, 2020.