In bond election, Dallas seeks $52 million for flood control and storm drainage projects

Dallas residents will decide in a May 4 bond election whether to allocate $52 million toward 56 projects that seek to manage stormwater runoff to prevent flooding, reduce erosion and protect the quality of the city’s waterways.

The measure is among 10 bond propositions before voters that will decide whether the city spends up to $1.25 billion to address what it considers urgent needs.

Two Dallas districts with major funding allocations are District 3 and District 9.

If Proposition C is passed, residents will approve the allocation of $2 million for District 9, which covers some areas of East Dallas, to continue with the 100-year drainage improvements for the Sanford Avenue relief system project.

In Dallas District 3, the location of Mountain Creek Lake, another $2 million would be used for a 100-year upgrade to the flood protection and storm drainage system in the Southwood-Franklin area.

Dallas District 8 in southeast Oak Cliff and District 13, which includes some North Dallas neighborhoods and the Vickery Meadows area, are the two districts with the most projects under Proposition C. They have eight and seven projects, respectively.

Across the city are four projects that would cost a total of $21.6 million. These proposals call for flood protection studies and control in White Rock Creek and the Mill Creek and East Peaks drainage relief tunnel and a study for a drainage system for the Knights Branch upper relief system.

Dallas had up to 15 inches of rain in August 2022. In the Old East Dallas neighborhood, residents saw floodwaters rise as high as 52 inches in some places, as measured by water lines left on homes, The Dallas Morning News reported.

In Dallas District 2, where rainfall affected residents, almost $2 million was allocated to storm drainage and erosion control.

The construction of the five-mile Mill Creek tunnel would be completed in 2025 and designed to protect more than 2,000 properties, including those in Old East Dallas, according to a Sept. 2023 bond project memorandum.

All 13 Dallas Districts are getting at least two projects under Proposition C.

The Dallas City Council could add or delete projects, change the scope of projects or adjust the amount of money set aside for each.

Residents can see the complete list of projects for the 2024 bond package on the Office of Bond and Construction Management website.

Early voting began Monday and runs through April 30. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 4.