$76 Million Detention Basin Project to Enhance Flood Defense in Houston's Memorial City

Houston is investing $76 million in a new underground detention basin near Memorial Middle School to improve flood resilience. The 95-acre basin, set to begin construction in February, will temporarily store rainwater and release it gradually, alleviating pressure on local drainage systems. This project is funded through federal hazard mitigation funds and expected tax revenue increases, with a completion timeline of under two years. It is part of a larger initiative that includes multiple stormwater detention projects across Houston.

Published Mar 30, 2026

Houston is investing $76 million in a 95-acre underground detention basin near Memorial Middle School to combat flooding. Scheduled to break ground in February, the basin will temporarily store rainwater during heavy storms and gradually release it into the drainage system, enhancing flood resilience in the Memorial City area.

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It is financed by federal hazard mitigation funds from Hurricane Harvey and projected tax revenue increases, with an estimated completion time of under two years. This project is part of a broader flood management strategy that includes other detention basins and innovative flood mitigation techniques.