What is the Central City Flood Control Project?
The two main components of the flood control project are: the rerouting of a section of the Trinity River due north of downtown and modifying a large park on the
east sie of the city to better manage flood events in a manner that will also restore the area.
- The new channel will move help move water more efficiently through the area north of downtown during large flood events.
- Newly built flood water storage areas in Gateway Park will slow flood waters so that downstream flood levels do not change.
Why does Fort Worth need the project?
Fort Worth is one of the country’s fastest growing cities. Our population has grown from 350,000 when the levees were originally built, to over 1,000,000 people today. Increased development results in higher flood levels during major storms.
Todays’ residents, homes and businesses are not adequately protected against storms the levees were originally built to contain. By taking a proactive approach to flood control and rerouting a critically vulnerable section of the Trinity River, thousands of homes and businesses, and over 1,000,000 people in the 11th largest city in the country, will be protected from disastrous floodwaters. According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, $15 of flood damage is prevented for every $1 invested in flood protection.
We can invest in flood protection today or spend billions in disaster recovery tomorrow.
Who are the project partners and what are their roles?
Tarrant Regional Water District – land acquisition, relocation, demolition, and environmental cleanup.
City of Fort Worth – utility improvements and relocations (sanitary sewer, water, storm drainage) and local street modifications.
Department of Transportation – three four-lane bridges over the bypass channel.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – 10 flood water storage areas, bypass channel, 3 isolation gates, a dam, and pump station.
