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About Region 8

About Us   >   About Region 8

Region 8 Overview

The Lower Brazos Regional Flood Planning Region (Region 8) is a key part of Texas’ efforts to reduce flood risks. This region spans over 23,000 square miles, covering parts of 43 counties and 193 municipalities, with a population exceeding 3 million. Urban centers such as Sugar Land, Georgetown, and College Station are growing rapidly, while rural areas contribute significantly to the region’s agricultural output. Region 8 plays a critical role in Texas' economy, with industries like manufacturing, retail, and agriculture supporting the livelihood of its residents.

Flood risks in Region 8 are widespread and varied, from flash floods in urban areas to large-scale riverine flooding. The region has a long history of flood events, with significant impacts on both densely populated urban centers and rural agricultural lands. Floods threaten lives, disrupt economic activities, and damage critical infrastructure. By recognizing these risks, Region 8 is focused on implementing strategic flood management practices to mitigate future flood impacts.


Region 8 – Lower Brazos Flood Planning Region
Region 8 – Lower Brazos Flood Planning Region




Delivery Timeline

The TWDB’s regional flood planning process was developed, and initial regional flood planning groups were formed in mid-2020. This planning process will be ongoing, and an updated plan will be developed by the TWDB every five years.

The first regional flood plans were submitted in July 2023, and the first state flood plan was submitted to the Texas Legislature in September 2024.





Now, the flood planning regions are beginning the second planning cycle. The second Lower Brazos Regional Flood Plan is due to the TWDB by January 10, 2028, and will be incorporated into the overall 2029 State Flood Plan.



Regional Flood Planning Schedule
2nd Regional Flood Planning Cycle Timeline







Key tasks the Lower Brazos Regional Flood Planning Group (Lower Brazos RFPG) has planned to accomplish include:

  • Gathering and analyzing data to create an accurate depiction of the basin’s characteristics
  • Identifying existing and future flood risks across the basin
  • Evaluating current flood plain management practices by entities within the basin (regulations to prevent future flood problems)
  • Setting goals for flood risk management and mitigation improvements throughout the basin
  • Recommending the best flood management evaluations to identify flood risks and potential solutions and the best flood mitigation strategies and projects to address existing and future flood issues in the basin








Overarching Goals for Region 8

The primary goals for the Lower Brazos RFPG align with the broader mission of the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB): to reduce existing flood risks and prevent the creation of new risks through sustainable and responsible floodplain management practices. Specifically, Region 8 aims to:

  • Increase community participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
  • Promote the adoption of flood mitigation standards that go beyond the NFIP baseline, directing new development away from flood-prone areas.
  • Improve the accuracy of flood hazard data to inform decision-making.
  • Protect critical infrastructure and reduce the number of structures and facilities at risk during major flooding events.
  • Enhance public awareness and preparedness through education and early warning systems.

These goals support the long-term vision of making the Lower Brazos region more resilient to future floods and ensuring that flood management strategies are equitable and inclusive of all affected communities.




Overview of the 2023 Lower Brazos Regional Flood Plan

The 2023 Lower Brazos Regional Flood Plan outlines several critical recommendations to address flood risks in the region. These recommendations include:

  • FMEs (Flood Management Evaluations)

    These are studies or assessments aimed at better understanding flood risks for a given region, identifying areas with the highest flood risk (i.e., “problem areas” or “hot spots”), and developing potential flood risk reduction solutions. Some examples include regional flood risk assessments, master drainage plans, project feasibility studies, and preliminary engineering (up to 30% design).

  • FMPs (Flood Management Projects)

    FMPs are the detailed design and construction of infrastructure improvement projects designed to reduce flood risks. Some examples include the construction of levees, reservoirs, detention ponds, or improvements to drainage conveyance systems.

  • FMSs (Flood Management Strategies)

    These are policies, regulations, or non-structural measures aimed at reducing flood risks. Some examples include zoning regulations, floodplain management ordinances, flood warning systems and public awareness programs.

  • FMXs (Flood Mitigation Measures)

    This is a broader, more flexible term used to encompass various actions that fall under flood management evaluations (FMEs), projects (FMPs), or strategies (FMSs). It refers to any specific steps taken to identify or mitigate flood risks, whether structural or non-structural.

Through collaboration with local communities, the plan identifies 49 recommended flood mitigation projects, 10 management strategies, and 97 evaluations. If implemented, the recommended projects would significantly reduce the population and infrastructure at risk of flooding while the evaluations and strategies would help identify mitigation solutions for future implementation. The total cost of the recommended actions is estimated at $4.7 billion, with funding expected from a combination of local, state, and federal sources.

View the list of FMXs currently in the 2023 Lower Brazos Regional Flood Plan here.

The 2023 Regional Flood Plan marks a significant step forward in protecting the Region 8 planning area from the devastating effects of future floods. With ongoing public engagement and future updates to the plan, Lower Brazos (RFPG) will continue to refine its strategies and strengthen its flood resilience. The first Lower Brazos Regional Flood Plan was officially submitted to the Texas Water Development Board on July 14, 2023.

Learn more about the 2023 Lower Brazos Regional Flood Plan here.

Learn more about the 2024 State Flood Plan here.




Get Involved!

The success of the Lower Brazos RFPG depends on input from the public. By engaging with local communities, the group ensures that the flood planning process is transparent and that it reflects the priorities and concerns of those most affected by flooding. A key component of the regional flood planning process is identifying community funding needs for the implementation of flood risk management and mitigation measures. Only items included in the plan will be eligible for state funding through the TWDB.

If you are interested in learning more about the flood planning process or want to get involved, there are several ways to connect with the Lower Brazos RFPG:

  • Attend Public Meetings: Stay informed by attending regular public meetings where flood planning decisions are discussed. Meetings
  • Submit Comments: Share your thoughts on flood risk, proposed mitigation strategies, and the flood planning process through public comment opportunities. Contact Us
  • Submit Flood Mitigation Needs: Complete the Flood Mitigation Needs Form on the website to have your projects and studies listed in the regional flood plan. Submittal Form
  • Put it on the Map: Use the interactive map to help us identify areas of flood risk in your area. Flood Risk Map
  • Upload Data: Share important flood risk data with the technical team, such as flood models, to strengthen our plan. Upload Data
  • Stay Connected: Sign up for updates to receive the latest news and information about the Lower Brazos RFPG's work. Email List Sign-Up Form

Together, we can build a safer, more resilient future for Region 8. Your voice matters—join us in shaping a flood-ready tomorrow!