About Velasco Drainage District
Welcome to the official website of the Velasco Drainage District, where our mission is to provide valuable knowledge about drainage systems to the community and visitors alike. As a local body dedicated to improving drainage, flood control, and regulatory oversight, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards in maintaining drainage channels, levees, and pump stations. Our District also plays a vital role in reviewing and approving new drainage plans to ensure a positive impact on current and future residents.
In the Brazosport Area, effective stormwater management is paramount, and that’s where the Velasco Drainage District steps in. We have implemented stringent regulations, procedures, and criteria to ensure proper water management and mitigate any adverse effects. Explore our website to discover more about the Velasco Drainage District and the services we provide. If you have any inquiries or require assistance, our dedicated representatives are just a click away. Simply visit the Contact Us page to get in touch.
We would like to express our gratitude for visiting our website, which serves as a public service to the citizens and taxpayers of the District. We are here to serve you and provide valuable information for a better understanding of our vital role in the community.
VDD Overview
- The District encompasses 236 square miles in south-central Brazoria County that is divided into Three Zones:
- Zone 1 Lake Jackson area – Will J. Brooks – Vice Chairman
- Zone 2 Clute, Richwood, Oyster Creek area – Billy P. Crain – Secretary
- Zone 3 Freeport, Quintana, Surfside Beach – Stuart Herbst – Chairman
- The District was established as a Political Subdivision of the State of Texas, May 11, 1908.
The District encompasses Bastrop Bayou to the north and northeast, the Brazos River to the southwest and the Gulf of Mexico to the south and southeast.
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The District accepted the sole responsible for the areas Hurricane Protection System in March 1956.
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The Federally sponsored Hurricane Flood Protection System was added in 1962 at a cost of $41,872,000.00. The District paid 30% of the cost, $12,550,669.00. Federal paid 70%, $29,284,894.00.
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The District maintains and operates 50 miles of Levees, 14 Pump Stations, 34 Gravity Drainage Structures, and a Navigation Control Tidal Gate Structure.
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There are 72.5 miles of outfall ditches, maintained by the District.
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The District’s 14 pump stations have a total pumping capacity equal to 4,770,000 gallons per minute.
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Five of the District’s Pump Stations have automatic, electric pumps, they are: Freeport Low Water, Midway, Pine Street, Velasco Low Water, and North Freeport.
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Nine of District’s pump stations are configured with 26 diesel engine driven pumps; these stations possess electric backup generators to support all auxiliary equipment. They are: North Freeport, East Freeport, Velasco, West End, Ditch #13, East Levee, and the Clute-Lake Jackson Pump Station.
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Four Pump Station’s have been computerized to relay information 24/7 to the Main Office and Pump Station Foreman.
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The District has 27 units of rolling stock (18 Trucks, 2 Backhoes, 3 Dozers, Gradall, Motor Grader, and 3 Tractors)
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Velasco Drainage District has 34 full-time employees.