Katy focuses on Riceland Terrace drainage

18 Sep 2018


By: Karen Zurawski - Houston Chronicle

As construction begins in one neighborhood to improve drainage, Katy City Council hired engineers to begin design services for work in another subdivision.

Katy City Council on Sept. 10 authorized the mayor to sign an agreement with Costello Engineering & Surveying for engineering design services for the initial phase of drainage and paving reconstruction improvements for Riceland Terrace subdivision excluding Fortuna Drive.

Costello Engineering & Surveying was hired by the city last year to do design work for Pine Forest subdivision after it completed a flood protection study for the city in October 2017 following the 2016 Tax Day Flood and Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

Reytec Construction Resources Inc. of Houston just started the 210-day contract with substantial completion anticipated next spring on Pine Forest projects. Of the $4.4 million project cost, the city is spending $3.3 million from the recent sale of bonds to pay for the improvements.

On Sept. 10, City Council moved forward with the engineering firm for Riceland Terrace in a 4-0 vote with no discussion. The proposed survey and design fees total $344,000, according to a letter from Raphael “Ralph” Saldana, Costello partner/senior project manager. “It is our understanding the city is pursuing government grants for the second and final phase which would address the rehabilitation of Fortuna Drive located in the subdivision,” Saldana wrote.

Costello’s proposal for engineering services includes new storm sewers on Patna, Rexora and Garden Villa Drive, new street construction and new storm outfall. Construction costs total approximately $1.8 million.

Additional services include a drainage analysis and report, a storm water pollution prevention plan and a design survey/topography.

Saldana said the company proposal is based in part on the results of a Feb. 28 community workshop held for residents at city hall at which the firm presented recommendations to improve local drainage for the subdivision built in the 1950s.

In a Sept. 4 letter to Katy Mayor Chuck Brawner, Saldana wrote, in part, “The City of Katy has dealt with flooding issues within its city limits multiple times in the last couple of years. Riceland Terrace Subdivision has been directly impacted by these rainfall events.”

Saldana estimates that construction plans suitable for public bid could be ready within 20 calendar weeks of an executed agreement.

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