As recent storms unleash severe flooding in southeast Texas, Harris County struggles to expand its home buyout program despite being a pioneer in managed retreat policies.
Jake Bittle reports for Grist.
In short:
- Harris County has long led in relocating residents from flood-prone areas, but recent events reveal limitations.
- The county has been purchasing homes along the San Jacinto River for three decades, yet over 1,600 homes remain at risk.
- Funding constraints and the sporadic nature of federal aid hinder the county's ability to respond more effectively.
Key quote:
"This is basically the largest and the deepest river within the county, and the floodplain is so deep that really we can’t do projects to fix these areas."
— James Wade, leader of home buyouts, Harris County Flood Control District
Why this matters:
As residents face the recurring devastation of their homes and communities, the emotional and financial stakes are high. The challenge for Harris County lies not just in acquiring and demolishing high-risk properties, but also in supporting displaced communities and ensuring their successful resettlement in safer areas.
