Mayor Parker supports removal of cars from Houston's bayous

HOUSTON – Houston Mayor Annise Parker said Wednesday that she supports the removal of more than 100 cars and trucks sunken in Houston's bayous.

"Worthwhile from the environmental (standpoint), worthwhile from the police standpoint, if we can have the private sector step up, absolutely," Parker said following a city council meeting.

In May, Local 2 Investigates revealed that more that Texas Equusearch has pinpointed at least 127 cars and trucks that had found watery graves in Houston's bayous.

Texas Equusearch founder, Tim Miller, believes the real number of cars in Houston's waterway system could actually be substantially higher because his team only had the chance to do underwater sonar mapping in parts of Brays, Buffalo, and Sims bayous.

"You and I know both know there is going to be some bodies in some of these cars," Miller told Local 2 in May 2014.

Since that initial interview, Miller has been in search of permission, support and funding to recover the vehicles.

On Wednesday, at Houston's city hall, it appeared that Miller had finally secured two out of three.

"Texas Equusearch is leading the charge on this, I'm just going to try to help them raise the funds," Michael Kubosh, city councilman at-large, said Wednesday, addressing Houston city council.

Kubosh said that he and Miller had secured the support of several agencies to start removing vehicles. Kubosh noted that the Houston Police Department requested to be on site to examine any car pulled out of the water, for potential evidence.

Last May, Houston Police Chief, Charles McClelland, told Local 2 he did not support removal of the vehicles, citing concerns about safety and manpower. 

It now appears the Houston Police Department would not stand in the way of the vehicles' removal.

Parker confirmed as much Monday, but noted that while she supports the effort, she does not support the use of tax dollars to accomplish the goal.

The Bayou Preservation Association and Harris County flood control also appear to favor removing the cars, Kubosh said.

The estimated total price tag to remove the cars and trucks from Houston waterways could be $500,000, but the project could get underway with just $5,000-$10,000, both Miller and Kubosh have estimated.

Miller points out he has never sought the use of public funds to remove the vehicles.

"We can do this with donations. I know we can do it. It's important. Isn't it worth it if we can bring closure to just one family?" Miller said.