HOUSTON (AP) — After the floodwaters earlier this month just about swallowed two of the six homes that 60-year-old Tom Madigan owns on the San Jacinto River, he didn’t think twice about whether to fix them. He hired people to help, and they got to work stripping the walls, pulling up flooring and throwing out water-logged furniture.
What Madigan didn’t know: The Harris County Flood Control District wants to buy his properties as part of an effort to get people out of dangerously flood-prone areas.
Back-to-back storms drenched southeast Texas in late April and early May, causing flash flooding and pushing rivers out of their banks and into low-lying neighborhoods. Officials across the region urged people in vulnerable areas to evacuate.
Like Madigan’s, some places that were inundated along the San Jacinto in Harris County have flooded repeatedly. And for nearly 30 years, the flood control district has been trying to clear out homes around the river by paying property owners to move, then returning the lots to nature.
Company wins court ruling to continue development of Michigan factory serving EV industry
Greater choice gives tourism sector a boost
Another ankle injury rules Dortmund forward Haller out of Champions League match against Atlético
Prehistoric ruins dig into cave
'Constantly learning' Imanaga off to impressive start with the Chicago Cubs
China issues guidelines to enhance management of community workers
China's Chen/Jia into 4th women's doubles final at badminton worlds
Roadside concerts become a hit in SW China's Guizhou
China breathes digital life into historical heritage like Great Wall