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TWDB Flood Planning Process

About Us   >   TWDB Flood Planning Process

A Collaborative Approach: Overview of the TWDB Planning Process

Billion-dollar floods have become increasingly common in Texas, with devastating impacts between 2015 and 2017 alone causing $5 billion in damages. The total financial losses from Hurricane Harvey in 2017 reached $200 billion, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive flood response. In reaction, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) developed the state’s first-ever flood assessment, revealing widespread risks and outdated flood mapping.

In 2019, the Texas Legislature passed a law establishing a new regional and state flood planning process. The TWDB was tasked with improving flood plain mapping and overseeing the creation of flood plans for 15 major river basins, including Region 8 (Lower Brazos). These plans, first due in 2023 and updated every five years, aim to reduce existing flood risks and prevent new ones through responsible floodplain management.


Region 8 – Lower Brazos Flood Planning Region
5-Year Regional Flood Planning Cycle


This effort relies on collaboration, with Regional Flood Planning Groups (RFPGs), bringing together representatives from diverse sectors to ensure the plans reflect the unique needs of each region. By involving local stakeholders and the public, the TWDB is creating a flood-resilient Texas that adapts to evolving challenges over time.



About the Regional Flood Planning Groups

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

Following the devastating impacts of flooding in recent extreme weather events, the State of Texas expanded the authority of the TWDB to include flood planning. The TWDB prepared the first-ever statewide flood assessment which described Texas’ flood risks, provided an overview of roles and responsibilities, included an estimate of potential flood mitigation costs, and identified groups with interest in the future of flood planning. The State legislature reviewed this assessment and provided funding for a cyclical regional and state flood planning process for Texas. A Regional Flood Planning Group (RFPG) was developed to represent each of Texas’ 15 major river basins. The Lower Brazos Region (Region 8) developed its first ever Regional Flood Plan in 2023, which was combined with the other 14 regional flood plans to create the 2024 State Flood Plan.

By leveraging regional flood plans developed by diverse stakeholders, the State Flood Plan incorporates a comprehensive approach to address flood-related challenges. This collaborative effort ensures that the plan is tailored to the specific needs of each region, considering factors such as population density, land use patterns, and historical flood events. By combining the regional flood plans into one cohesive document, the State Flood Plan aims to:

  • Provide insight on flood risk conditions
  • Guide entities on avenues to prepare and respond to flood events
  • Evaluating current flood plain management practices by entities within the basin (regulations to prevent future flood problems)
  • Minimize property damage
  • Safeguard the lives of Texas residents






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




Regional Flood Plan Amendments

The RFPGs can amend their adopted and TWDB-approved regional flood plans at their discretion at any time in accordance with the regional planning rules. Similar to the water planning process, RFPGs may not utilize regional flood planning grant funding to amend the regional flood plans. The Regional Flood Plan amendment process and flowchart is available on the TWDB flood planning website.

Once a RFPG amends and submits their adopted, amended regional flood plan (RFP) to the TWDB, the EA will review the amended plan and, as appropriate, require modifications/corrections, as necessary. After that, an amendment to a regional plan must be approved by the TWDB Board at a board meeting. After an RFP amendment is approved by the board, it can be considered by the TWDB for amendment into the State Flood Plan at a separate Board meeting.

Note that, although RFPGs are not permitted under the grant contracts to use regional flood planning grant funds to develop an amendment to an RFP, a RFPG may discuss and take action regarding amendments to their plan during any regularly scheduled RFP meeting.



Flood Planning Resources