PILLAR: Sustainable
AGENDA DATE: November 12, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 7
DEPARTMENT: Dallas Water Utilities Department
PRIORITY: Infrastructure
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the (1) acceptance and deposit of real estate reimbursement funds from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and (2) re-appropriation of real estate reimbursement funds to fulfill the City’s ongoing obligation to acquire real estate parcels for the Dallas Floodway Extension System - Not to exceed $70,000,000.00 - Financing: Dallas Levee System Acquisition Fund
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BACKGROUND
The City of Dallas is the owner and operator of the Dallas Levee System extending from the Elm and West Forks of the Trinity River through the main stem and terminating at IH20. This system is regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). In addition to regulating the Dallas Levee System, the USACE and the City have been cost participating in two separate federal projects to improve the public safety of the residents and businesses that are served by this system. The City is required to own, in fee simple, all parcels related to the Dallas Levee System.
In July 2018, the Dallas Levee System flood risk management projects included in the Modified Dallas Floodway Project (DF) and the Dallas Floodway Extension (DFE) were authorized for funding under the Supplemental Appropriation in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018- Public Law 115-123 (PL-115-123). This information has been presented to the City Council and provided in memorandum to the City Council at major milestones since the notification by the USACE. All work associated with the design and construction of these improvements is being performed by USACE with the City serving as a technical advisor and client. An overview of the projects, federal funding and associated local requirements included in PL-115-123 are as follows:
- DFE: Up to $135.25 million (M) for Lamar Levee and Cadillac Heights Levee
- The City is obligated to expend funds to complete necessary real estate activities such as acquisition, relocation and environmental remediation and public utility relocation; acquisition funds are potentially eligible for reimbursement in the future.
- DF: $457.7M for approved flood risk management such as levee raises and flattening, removal of ATSF Bridge, Trinity Portland Pump Station, Charlie Pump Station, Delta Pump Station Rehabilitation, Hampton Pump Station and Nobles Sump Improvements.
- The City is obligated to expend funds on 35 percent of the design and construction and environmental remediation and public utility relocation; the real estate funds are credits against the cost share for the project.
This agenda item authorizes the acceptance, deposit, and re-appropriation of real estate reimbursement funds from the USACE to fulfill the City’s obligation to acquire the remaining parcels associated with the Dallas Floodway Extension System. Timely acquisition of all required real estate parcels is critical to keeping the project on schedule and facilitating the construction of the proposed Lamar and Cadillac Heights levees.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On August 12, 2015, the City Council directed reprogramming of 1998 Bond Proposition 11 funds from the remaining Trinity Lakes and Trinity Parkway project funding and not currently encumbered to other flood control projects related to the Trinity River Corridor as approved by the bond election, by Resolution No. 15-1486.
The Transportation & Trinity River Corridor Committee was briefed on the Trinity River Corridor Project, Dallas Floodway and Dallas Floodway Extension Project Update on April 25, 2016.
The Transportation & Trinity River Corridor Committee was briefed on the Dallas Floodway Risk Addendum on August 8, 2016. The Transportation & Trinity River Corridor Committee was briefed on the Update on the Dallas Floodway Risk Addendum on August 15, 2016.
The Mobility Solutions, Infrastructure & Sustainability Committee was briefed on the Update on the Dallas Floodway on February 12, 2016.
On August 9, 2017, the City Council authorized the establishment of the Trinity River Corridor Local Government Corporation (the “Corporation”), for the purpose of the development of recreational areas in the Dallas Floodway (the “Project”); approval of the Corporation’s Certificate of Formation and Bylaws; appointment of the Corporation’s initial Board of Directors; and the City Manager to negotiate and enter into a Master Development and Use Agreement with the Corporation subject to the Term Sheet, by Resolution No. 17-1233.
The Mobility Solutions, Infrastructure & Sustainability Committee was briefed on the Supplemental Appropriation in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-123) on April 22, 2019.
On May 8, 2019, the City Council authorized the establishment of the Project Partnership Agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete design and construction for the Modified Dallas Floodway Project Flood Risk Management Projects, as defined in the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 and the 2015 Record of Decision, including associated interior drainage improvements adjacent to the Dallas Floodway levees, and consistent with the Balanced Vision Plan for the Trinity River Corridor Project by, Resolution No. 19-506.
The Transportation & Infrastructure Committee was briefed on the Update to the Bi-Partisan Budget Act (Public Law 115-123) Dallas Floodway Levee System Update on August 15, 2022.
The Transportation & Infrastructure Committee was briefed on the Update to the Bi-Partisan Budget Act (Public Law 115-123) Dallas Floodway Levee System Update, including project schedules and costs associated with the project delivery on September 18, 2023.
On June 26, 2024, the City Council authorized acceptance of a loan from the Texas Water Development Board for low-cost financial assistance, and a grant from the Texas Water Development Board through the Flood Infrastructure Fund for Texas by Resolution No. 24-0912.
On December 11, 2024, the City Council authorized an increase in the total city direct cost share for the Project Partnership Agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete design and construction for the Modified Dallas Floodway Project Flood Risk Management Projects by Resolution No. 24-1746.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2026 |
FY 2027 |
Future Years |
|
Dallas Levee System Acquisition Fund |
$70,000,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
MAP
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