Historic agreement reached on Clear Creek flood project

August 1st, 2019

Congressman Pete Olson (R-TX) commended the Army Corps of Engineers and the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) June 12 for reaching a historic agreement that will allow HCFCD to lead construction of the Clear Creek Flood Risk Reduction Project.

This agreement will transfer primary authority and funding for the Clear Creek project to HCFCD, he said, noting that authority to make this transfer from the Corps to a local sponsor like HCFCD has only been used once previously and the first time for a full project. This action will allow work on the project to begin much sooner, providing critical help for communities along Clear Creek.

“The Clear Creek project was first authorized in 1968 and federal bureaucracy has delayed this critical project for over half a century,” Olson said. “I’ve fought to get this project funded and completed since my time as a senior staffer in the Senate. I was thrilled to get it included in our Harvey disaster recovery projects and now it will move quickly and help manage flooding in a strategic part of our region.  I applaud the Army Corps and Harris County Flood Control for reaching this historic agreement to help finally get this project completed.”

State Rep. Dennis Paul added, “I am glad to see the Army Corps of Engineers working with our local flood officials is finally starting, and doing what they can to speed up the process to get flood mitigation on Clear Creek going. This has been the result of a lot of hard work by our federal, state and local elected officials working together to get this project started.”
“Congressman Olson has been working on the Clear Creek project since he was a senior Senate staffer, long before he was elected to Congress,” Russ Poppe, executive director of the Harris County Flood Control District said. “We deeply appreciate his years of dedication to seeing this project come to fruition through the signing of this PPA, as well the entire Harris County delegation who all work tirelessly to give us more tools to address flooding in our Gulf Coast region.”

Olson helped secure the $295 million for the Clear Creek Flood Damage Reduction project in the 2018 Disaster Supplemental funding bill. Olson also sent the Army Corps of Engineers a letter urging quick action to complete the Clear Creek Project in February.

The Clear Creek Project is a Flood Risk Management project that was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1968. The project is located in Harris and Brazoria counties, Texas, with 17 cities within the watershed. Now that the PPA is signed, HCFCD will execute construction and the remaining design. The estimated completion date is September 2025.

OLSON INVITES 22ND DISTRICT STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION

March 18th, 2019

The 2018 Congressional High School Art Competition winner was Hannah Li from Clements High School. Her piece, entitled “In the Moment,” currently hangs in the U.S. Capitol.

Congressman Pete Olson (TX-22) invites high school students from his 22nd District to participate in the 2019 Congressional Art Competition.

This competition, which began in 1982, provides an opportunity for members of Congress to recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over 650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.

“Every year, talented high school artists share their unique perspectives on life and of the American experience through their artwork in the Congressional Art Competition,” Rep. Olson said. “This competition gives them an opportunity to showcase their artistic talent and vision for the thousands of folks who visit the Capitol each year. I encourage the many talented artists in TX-22 to enter this competition and share their artwork with others in Texas and the nation.”

The first place winner from the 22nd Congressional District will have his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for an entire year. As part of this competition, the district first place winner receives complimentary airfare to fly to Washington, D.C. to see their art displayed in the Capitol Building during an unveiling ceremony.

Artwork is due to Olson’s Sugar Land office from Wednesday, April 10 through Wednesday, April 17, 2019. Artwork must be two-dimensional and be submitted to Rep. Olson’s Sugar Land office unframed. In addition to the artwork, participants will need to submit the student release form.

For rules, regulations and criteria, visit http://1.usa.gov/1VPdmKI

Bay Area Houston Magazine