Houston Newsmakers April 24: Harris County Judge Ed Emmett on the Houston-area flood control

HOUSTON – Harris County Judge Ed Emmett is the sole guest on this week’s Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall. After billions of gallons of rain fell on Southeast Texas, causing massive flooding and damage, Emmett says the Harris County response to the emergency went “as well as could be expected. The problem is there were so many properties flooded that never had water (inside) before. So it’s a whole new experience.”

Emmett said the bayou system worked as well as could be expected under the circumstances and that it was creeks like Cypress, not a part of the bayou system, that caused much of the damage.

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Judge Emmett acknowledged the concern of residents about the Addicks and Barker Reservoirs but says they, too, are functioning as designed. “They’re going to record levels but they’re still only half full. I’ve heard people say the water’s going to come over the top. They’re only going to be half full. The reservoirs are doing exactly what they’re supposed to do”

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One of Judge Emmett’s biggest regret has been the unnecessary loss of life for drivers who drive into flooded underpasses. He says a plan is in the works right now to solve it. “We’ll have a conversation about assigning deputies or reserve deputies to certain underpasses,” he said. “In an event like this it’s going to be their responsibility to go there and keep people from driving in.”

To get help with flooding concerns, Judge Emmett suggests www.readyharris.org.

Houston Newsmakers with Khambrel Marshall, every Sunday Morning at 10 a.m. right after Meet the Press on KPRC Channel 2.
More Information:

Judge Ed Emmett, Harris County 713-755-4000