Over $1 Billion In Flood Bond Discrepancies Leaves Harris Co. In Tough Spot

It has been seven years since Harris County approved a flood project bond. Since that time, not a whole lot has been accomplished. In its wake as well has come major questions about how much has been spent, what is left to spend, and what projects might have to be let go. Recent reports have come about showing there is a $1 billion discrepancy in the flood bond funds.

Emily Woodell of the Harris County Flood Control District said recently that those reports are "inaccurate representations of content in recent reports." But there really have been no recent reports. An update was supposed to be given to Commissioner's Court in June, but nothing was ever presented. Now, even more questions are rising, especially as County Judge Lina Hidalgo would rather use taxpayer money to go on fun trips to Paris.

Officials claim they 'overestimated' to be conservative in their initial numbers. But Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey says that just does not make sense.

"It is not that hard to do...you should let us know what the exact costs are, best you can give...when you give inflated numbers, you cause great panic," he says.

The projected $1.3 billion budget shortfall is blamed on rising costs, with audits already underway. The original bond amount was in the neighborhood of $2.5 billion to fund projects in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Since then, the district has gathered an additional $2.7 billion in partner funding, bringing the total allocation to about $5.2 billion.

But again, not much has been done. Some projects have been accomplished. As of this year, $1.57 billion was allocated to the efforts. But Texas Scorecard recently found a $1.07 billion unexplained decrease in remaining funds.

All of this uncertainty has put an already cash-tight county in a tough spot.

"Some say we are $270 million over in our budget...spending is an issue we have to address at all levels...in the coming weeks, you will learn a lot more about what dollars we have, and what we do not have," Ramsey says.

Their estimates account for inflation, construction costs, and potential 'future phases' that extend beyond the voter-approved plan.

All while the county sits in crisis mode with this item, Judge Lina Hidalgo has recently tried using taxpayer money for a trip to Paris, and another trip to San Francisco. Instead of, you know, doing her job.

"I would think you would be working 24/7, trying to sort through what projects we are going to do...and get the most bang out of what dollars we have left," says Ramsey.

He adds they hope to have a full report ready to preset by September.

The flood control district did not respond to KTRH's request for comment.