WATER we doing about it: Carving the way with Texas flood planning

In this episode, we learn how Texas funds projects that give floodwaters room to flow safely, and what Texans need to know to prepare for flooding. Join our host Carrie Thompson as she walks through water planning with Reem Zoun, the Assistant Deputy Administrator at the Texas Water Development Board!

Today’s Guest: Reem Zoun, Assistant Deputy Executive Administrator of the Office of Planning at the Texas Water Development Board (02:45)

Reem Shares Why the Texas State Flood Plan is a Big Deal (06:45)

• Bottom-Up Approach is Key: Reem explains that local trust is a form of networking essential to planning. (07:45)

• The Fall & Rise of the 15 Regions: Reem breaks down the 15 planning regions, their interests and roles, and their rough start. (09:12)

• The Statewide Plan Texans Need to Hear: Reem outlines the two focuses of the flood planning effort and 11 types of recommendations for Texans to become more knowledgeable about flood hazards. (12:59)

• Water is Apartment Hunting but Who’s the Guarantor?: Reem brings attention to water needing space to flow freely and shares the types of funding to make it happen. (16:56)

• 550+ Meetings, 2 Years, 1 Plan: Reem spills the beans on the first two cycles of the upcoming plans for the Texas Water Development Board. (21:17)

• Don’t Get FOMO – Get Involved: Reem shares the many ways locals can participate in the water plans for their community. (23:14)

• The Main Takeaway: Reem offers one final piece of advice and one important warning for Texans to take home. (23:48)

• But Wait- There's More!: Robert joins us to share some details about floodplains. (25:38)

Don’t Miss What’s Coming Next: Flash Flooding with the man that literally wrote the book on Flash Floods in Texas.

Episode Links and Resources:

• Texas Water Development Board

Theme song: Uma Theramin by Robert E. Mace

Learn more about the Meadows Center at ⁠meadowscenter.txst.edu⁠.