SJRA Flood Forecasting and Reservoir Operations Tool Public Meeting Thursday

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX -- The San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) will hold an initial public meeting on Thursday, October 24, 2019, at 6:00p.m., in the SJRA General and Administrative Building Board Room, located at 1577 Dam Site Road, Conroe, Texas, 77304, to discuss its ongoing Flood Forecasting and Reservoir Operations Tool project (Project).

As the second phase of a multi-phased approach to addressing flood protection in the San Jacinto River Watershed, the Project will develop a tool with the capability to predict peak release rates of stonn water from Lake Conroe and the anticipated peak water level in Lake Conroe during rainfall events based on weather forecasts, observed rainfall, lalce levels, and other data. This will allow SJRA to improve communication with Offices of Emergency Management (OEMs) and the general public during rainfall events.

'Getting information out to OEMs and the public as early as possible is essential during potential flooding events,' said Chuck Gilman, Director of Water Resources and Flood Management for the SIRA. 'The Flood Forecasting and Reservoir Operations Tool will take data from across the region and analyze it utilizing a model of the Lake Conroe Watershed to make predictions regarding the threat of flooding in our area. Our goal is to provide thnely, accurate information for people to make decisions to protect themselves, their families, and property.'

The Project is anticipated to be completed in fall 2020. Development of and recommendations for operation/use of the tool will be summarized in a written technical memorandum. The Project is being funded by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) and SJRA. TWDB offers grants to political subdivisions of the State of Texas for evaluation of structural and nonstructural solutions to flooding problems and flood protection planning.

All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting to express their views with respect to the project Questions or requests for additional information may be directed to Matt Barrett, OEMs, Division Engineer, SJRA, 1577 Dam Site Road, Come, Texas 77304, Telephone (936) 588- 3111. Persons who intend to appear at the meeting and express their views are invited to contact Matt Barrett either in writing or by telephone in advance of the meeting. Any interested persons unable to attend the meeting may submit their views to Matt Barrett prior to Wednesday, October 23, 2019.

Persons with disabilities who plan to attend the meeting and would like to request amiliary aids or services are requested to contact Cynthia Bowman at (936) 588-3111 at least three business days prior to the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made.