Harris Plus Flood Solutions, d/b/a Houston Stronger, is a 501(c)(4) not-for-profit that advocates for federal, state, and local funding to support flood resiliency around the Greater Houston region through collaborative engagement. The coalition formed after Hurricane Harvey (2017) and is comprised of civic groups, business associations and active citizens from throughout the Texas Gulf Coast region to implement a comprehensive regional flood and storm resiliency plan to safeguard our citizens and property.
Our mission is to encourage local, state, and federal officials to allocate funding for the greater Houston region. The first plan for the region was produced in 2018 and has since been updated. The 2021 Regional Plan reflects further input and coordination with government and civic interests as well as addressing key projects, totaling $58 Billion, needed to achieve greater resiliency throughout the region. The coalition has also developed the Buffalo Bayou Community Plan in response to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Interim Report for the Buffalo Bayou and Tributaries Resilience Study. The Buffalo Bayou Community Plan, estimated at $6 Billion, provides critical feedback to USACE and a road map to achieve effective flooding solutions with community support.
Successful efforts by Houston Stronger, elected officials, and community leaders led to the following funding allocations as a start for local and regional projects:
Federal: 2018 Bipartisan Budget Act – $17.4B to USACE
County: 2018 Flood Bond Referendum – $2.5B
State: 2019 Senate Bills 7 and 8: $1.7B
The coalition continues to follow, support or address projects, funding and legislation that seeks to make the Houston area stronger and more resilient to storms and flooding.
