Bastrop Eyes Drainage Plans That Reach $12M

The city, most likely, would not have enough in the city budget to implement all proposed plans that carry a total cost of $20 million, according to Humble…

Bastrop City Council members are reviewing four drainage plan options that range from $2.1 million to $12 million. The funds would improve drainage for residents along Gills Branch Creek and on Piney Creek, where 77 properties flooded in May 2016.

City leaders will hold public meetings to gather opinions on the proposed drainage plans, said City Manager Lynda Humble. The city, most likely, would not have enough in the city budget to implement all proposed plans that carry a total cost of $20 million, according to Humble.

A Richardson-based engineering firm that was hired after flooding occurred presented three projects to mitigate flooding along Gills Branch Creek. Estimated to cost $2.7 million, the first option calls for widening a railroad bridge that crosses the creek on State Highway 71.

The project would remove six acres and three-existing structures from the 100-year flood plain. The second option, expected to cost $7.7 million, would modify the creek channel by cutting away the river bank from SH 95 to the railroad bridge and building four new bridges. This plan would remove 54 acres and 15 structures.

The most expensive plan, estimated to cost $12 million, calls for building two detention ponds. One would be located downstream of SH 95 and the other near the youth soccer fields. This option would remove 16 structures and 34 acres from the 100-year flood plain.

Council members also are reviewing a $2.1 million project to widen the Piney Creek channel that forms the northern boundary of the city limits.

This story originally published Strategic Partnership, Inc.