The City of Benbrook is about learning lessons from the past and using these lessons to prepare for the future. The city has a history of flooding problems. Documented large floods have occurred across the city many times, including 1922, 1949, 1961, 1974, 1975, 1982, 1989, 1990, 2004, and 2007. Many other smaller floods have occurred multiple times throughout the years, sometimes affecting large areas of the city or more localized areas.

There are over 1,300 acres of floodplain in the City of Benbrook. This accounts for approximately 19% of the total city area. Large floodplain areas include Mary's Creek, Timber Creek and the Dutch Branch.

City flooding and drainage problems are key issues when planning for the safety, health, and quality of life for Benbrook citizens. Land development continues to increase over time, thus increasing the potential for faster and greater flooding chances at many locations across the city. Many successful projects have been built in the city to provide flood control, including channels, culverts, bridges, and detention. However, many areas are still in need of additional flood control measures or repairs and improvements to existing flood control structures. The City Master Drainage Plan road map establishes the processes for future flood control planning for the City of Benbrook.

Master Drainage Plan Road Map

The City's primary goal and objective of the Master Drainage Plan is to cost-effectively manage flood or storm waters within budget constraints so that conditions don't get worse as new and infill areas are developed - while evaluating and making conditions better in the areas of the city that are already developed.

The Master Drainage Plan will accomplish the following goals:

• Provide the building blocks to reduce the existing potential for floodplain and storm water damage to public health, safety, life, property, and the environment.
• Protect and enhance the quality, quantity, and availability of surface water resources.
• Promote equitable, acceptable, and legal measures for floodplain and storm water management.
• Address the remaining flooding issues in Benbrook, including both inadequate storm drainage systems and floodplains.
• Provide a comprehensive, city-wide drainage inventory and assessment with recommendations for flooding and drainage issues.
• Provide a systematic and financially sound strategy for reducing or eliminating flooding in Benbrook.
• Provide short-term goals for constructing smaller projects and a long range plan for larger, more complex projects.
• Identify and prioritize the needed improvements for small, medium, and large projects in the city.