Hurricane Harvey Hit Texas On August 25, 2017, Causing $180B

Hurricane Harvey Hit Texas On August 25 2017 It Caused 180 Billion

Hurricane Harvey hit Texas on August 25, 2017, resulting in approximately $180 billion in damages, making it the most costly natural disaster in U.S. history. The devastation of this hurricane was exacerbated by various public policy decisions and infrastructural issues, which contributed to the extensive flooding experienced particularly in Houston, a city characterized by rapid growth and development policies aimed at economic prosperity. This essay examines the key policy decisions—both beneficial and detrimental—that influenced the flooding during Harvey, explores potential future measures, and considers how they can be funded effectively.

Hurricane Harvey's impact was profoundly influenced by urban planning and development policies enacted over recent decades. Houston’s pro-growth policies, aimed at fostering economic expansion and minimizing restrictions on land use, played a significant role in shaping the city’s vulnerability to flooding. As the city expanded into flood-prone areas, natural wetlands and prairies that previously absorbed rainfall were converted into residential and commercial developments. Such growth, driven by a detached approach to environmental management, reduced natural drainage and increased runoff, which worsened flooding during Harvey (Alves et al., 2018). Moreover, rapid urbanization often disregarded floodplain regulations, leading to increased impervious surfaces like concrete and asphalt which prevent water absorption into the soil, escalating flood risks (Wolch et al., 2019).

A critical policy decision that aggravated the flooding was the inadequate management of stormwater infrastructure. Houston’s stormwater drainage system, heavily reliant on a network of channels and reservoirs, was not designed to handle the unprecedented rainfall caused by Harvey. The Katy Freeway widening project in the 1990s presented a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to install large conveyance culverts capable of channeling excess water safely to the ship channel (Texas Tribune, 2018). Unfortunately, such infrastructure upgrades were either not prioritized or underfunded, impeding effective water flow during the hurricane. Additionally, the city’s urban development policies often ignored the potential for future climate-related hazards, such as heavier rainfall, further increasing vulnerability (Moore et al., 2019).

Federal and state policies further complicated flood mitigation efforts. The federally subsidized National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), while intended to promote insurance coverage, inadvertently encouraged development in flood-prone areas by making it financially easier and less risky for homeowners and developers (Conway & McAneney, 2019). This subsidy reduced the incentives for robust floodplain management, encouraging risky construction and complicating disaster recovery. Harris County Judge Ed Emmett proposed ideas such as large-scale infrastructure projects and revising zoning laws to restrict growth in high-risk areas, but political and economic challenges delayed comprehensive implementation (Emmett, 2017).

The aftermath of Harvey highlights the need for a shift toward resilient, sustainable flood management policies. Moving forward, Houston and similar urban areas should prioritize implementing green infrastructure solutions, such as restoring wetlands, creating parks, and promoting permeable surfaces that naturally absorb rainwater (Hollander et al., 2019). Investing in large-scale stormwater conveyance projects—such as installing additional culverts or expanding reservoirs—can significantly reduce flood risks. Moreover, land use regulations must be re-evaluated to restrict development in vulnerable flood-prone zones, supported by stricter enforcement of floodplain rules. Updating building codes to require flood-resistant structures in high-risk areas is also necessary.

Funding these initiatives requires a multi-faceted approach. Federal, state, and local governments should coordinate to allocate resources effectively, including redirecting existing budgets and seeking federal grants dedicated to disaster resilience. Public-private partnerships could bolster infrastructure investments and flood mitigation efforts. Implementing a phased approach, where costly infrastructure projects are prioritized based on risk assessments, ensures prudent use of funds. Additionally, reforming the NFIP to eliminate harmful subsidies and encouraging private insurance options can create sustainable financial mechanisms that incentivize risk reduction and better floodplain management (Kousky & Shabman, 2016).

In conclusion, the devastating impacts of Hurricane Harvey were amplified by policy decisions favoring rapid urban growth with insufficient regard for flood risk. Houston’s development strategies and infrastructure shortcomings played a crucial role in the magnitude of damage. To mitigate future flood risks, a comprehensive approach that combines green infrastructure, revised zoning laws, resilient building standards, and sustainable financing is essential. These measures require coordinated federal, state, and local efforts, sustained political will, and community engagement to create a resilient urban environment capable of withstanding future natural disasters.

Paper For Above instruction

References

• Alves, L., et al. (2018). Urban development and flood risk in Houston: An integrative approach. Journal of Urban Planning and Development, 144(4), 04018024.
• Conway, D., & McAneney, J. (2019). The impact of flood insurance subsidies on floodplain development and resilience. Natural Hazards Review, 20(2), 04019005.
• Emmett, E. (2017). Flood management policies and urban growth in Houston. Harris County Officials Reports.
• Hollander, J. B., et al. (2019). Green infrastructure and flood resilience: Lessons from Houston. Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science, 46(8), 1323-1327.
• Kousky, C., & Shabman, L. (2016). Financing flood resilience: Opportunities and challenges. Resources for the Future.
• Moore, T., et al. (2019). Climate change and urban flood risk: A case study of Houston, Texas. Climate Risk Management, 24, 100202.
• Texas Tribune. (2018). Houston’s infrastructure and flood risk: Lessons from Harvey. Texas Tribune Reports.
• Wolch, J., et al. (2019). Urban green spaces and flood mitigation: Analyzing Houston’s landscape. Landscape and Urban Planning, 184, 81-88.
• Additional Sources:
• National Weather Service. (2017). Hurricane Harvey rainfall and impact data. NOAA.