Galveston, Texas is set to witness a significant transformation as construction on the first-ever pump station is scheduled to commence in early 2025. This ambitious project aims to address the persistent flooding issues that plague the area, especially in neighborhoods near Avenue Q, 59th Street, and Sadalia. The city council's approval of the $67 million bid last Thursday marks a crucial step forward in safeguarding the lives and properties of its residents.

Galveston's Flooding Battle: A Pump Station's Promise

Understanding Sunny Day Flooding

For the people of Galveston, flooding during hurricanes and strong rainstorms is not an uncommon sight. However, a disturbing phenomenon called "sunny day flooding" occurs frequently. Residents experience this between 10 to 20 days a year, even when there is no precipitation in the sky. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), by 2050, this number is projected to skyrocket to 170 to 200 days per year. The water infiltrates through the storm drain system and accumulates in roadways or upstream areas. Robert Winiecke, the city's director of infrastructure and engineering, explains, "When the tides get high, the water basically infiltrates through the storm drain system and ends up ponding in the roadway elsewhere or upstream of that." Additionally, Galveston is witnessing sea levels rise at a rate 2.5 to 4 times faster than the rest of the world.

The Need for a Pump Station

City officials are hopeful that the construction of the first-ever pump station on South Shore and Bayou Shore will provide much-needed relief. Renderings shared with ABC13 depict a station that resembles a residential home to blend seamlessly with the neighborhood. The city has been considering this project since 2017, following the Texas General Land Office's (GLO) call for flood mitigation projects after Hurricane Harvey. The existing drainage system in Galveston is like a series of straws, transporting water from the Houston Ship Channel, Galveston Bay, or English Bayou to the neighborhoods. Catch basins act as the ties to these straws, but when the tide is too high, water cannot push out, leading to flooding. By introducing the pump station, mechanisms on the pipe outfalls will seal them off using sluice gates. These gates act as a big wall in front of the outlet, preventing water from flowing back as the station pumps it out.

The Long Journey to Construction

It has taken years to draft a proposal, submit it to the state for funding, design the project, and obtain approval from the city council to move forward with construction. Despite public scrutiny regarding concerns about the cost, impact on residential neighborhoods, and effectiveness, officials remain confident in its success. Out of the $67 million price tag, the Texas GLO is funding approximately $54 million, with the rest coming from city funds. However, Winiecke points out that Galveston will eventually need more revenue to cover the maintenance costs of the pump station. A rate study is being conducted to determine the amount, which means residents can expect an increase in their stormwater utility fee in the future.

The Construction Timeline and Future Plans

Construction is expected to begin in early 2025 and is estimated to last for approximately two years. This is just the first step in addressing Galveston's flooding problems. The city's stormwater master plan includes a total of seven pump stations, and officials are already working on putting a second one out for bidding on 14th Street next summer. These additional pump stations will further enhance the city's flood mitigation efforts and provide greater protection to its residents.For more on this story, follow Rosie Nguyen on Facebook, X and Instagram.Copyright © 2024 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.