Title
Consider and take action on a resolution removing the Magnolia Bayou Diversion Canal to Dickinson Bayou from the May 2019 GO Bond project list (Executive Director of Capital Projects)
Background:
Approval of this resolution will authorize the removal of the Magnolia Bayou Diversion Canal to Dickinson Bayou Project from the May 2019 GO Bond project list.
This project consisted of a drainage study to determine the feasibility of diverting 460 acres of drainage area from the Magnolia Bayou to Dickinson Bayou. A new detention pond, approximately 500 ac-ft in size (minimum), would need to be constructed to limit water surface elevation increase in Dickinson Bayou. The study would determine the limits of the diversion area and if the pond could be larger than the minimum 500 ac-ft to help with regional drainage in the City's southwest area. The study was also to determine if a detention pond could be constructed within the Magnolia Bayou boundary to provide a similar water surface elevation drop without having to divert water from one watershed to another. The project was included as part of a list of potential drainage projects outlined on the City’s May 2019 General Obligation Bond Referendum and was last included in the FY2021-2025 CIP.
The study was completed and presented to Council in a March 2021 Work Session. The findings of this study ultimately noted that the $15.5 Million initial estimate would not cover the proposed cost (estimated at $29 Million) needed to complete the project. Also, the cost benefit ratio for the City was not very high which would eliminate the potential for future grants, and that a lot of the issues noted in this area could be helped, to some degree, by developments in the southwest detaining stormwater that is not currently detained. The project has not moved forward with design and is not anticipated to do so. Since 2021, the Pedregal Subdivision has rerouted some of the area to Dickinson Bayou. Likewise, the Samara Subdivi...
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