Following the flooding events in 2015 and 2016, up to 100 feet of the bank along the Brazos River at several locations has been lost due to erosion. With the recent record flood of the River due to Hurricane Harvey, it is anticipated that a similar rate of erosion, if not greater, has occurred in the past few months. These rates of erosion are significantly higher than what has been experienced on the River in the past 30 years. It is important to monitor and assess the projected loss of river bank and how this loss will threaten infrastructure within the City such as bridges, levees, parks, roads and utilities.
Huitt-Zollars will provide professional services related to the Brazos River Bank Erosion in the City of Sugar Land, Texas. This work follows the recent historic flooding event within the City and on the Brazos River due to Hurricane Harvey. The work will include the following items:
1. Attendance and Presentations at meetings
2. Analysis of the Brazos River Erosion and Geomorphology
3. Hydraulic and Hydrologic modeling
4. Predictions of projected bank erosion
5. Survey of critical erosion areas
6. Risk and consequence analysis
7. Identification of possible sources of funding for potential improvements
8. Recommendations on regulatory actions
The City will use the information from this study to develop a pro-active approach to address the river bank erosion and the threat it poses to infrastructure within the City. The study will include consultation with the geomorphology staff at Texas A&M University. In an effort to increase awareness to the problem, the study will also bring together stakeholders with interests along the river to share its findings and future projected movements of the river and any possible plan of action that might result from the report.
The proposed professional services fee is $125,000. The funding for this analysis was identified as part of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) fund balance that was set aside for Hurricane Harvey related projects.
The Engineering Department recommends the City Council approve a budget amendment appropriating $125,000 from the CIP fund balance and authorize the contract with Huitt-Zollars in the amount of $125,000 for the Brazos River Bank Erosion Study.