The San Jacinto River Authority, commonly known as SJRA, was created by the Texas Legislature in 1937 under Article 8280-121, as amended. Its mission is to develop, conserve, and protect the water resources of the San Jacinto River Basin.
Spanning all or part of seven counties, SJRA’s jurisdiction includes the San Jacinto River watershed, excluding Harris County.
SJRA is one of 15 river authorities in the State of Texas. Its primary purpose is to facilitate and implement long-term regional water supply, wastewater treatment, and flood mitigation strategies. SJRA does not have taxing authority. Instead, revenue is generated through the water and wastewater services it provides to local retail utility providers.
SJRA’s jurisdiction covers all of Montgomery County and portions of Walker, Waller, San Jacinto, Grimes, Fort Bend, and Liberty counties. While Harris County is excluded from SJRA’s official boundaries, the Authority serves industrial and wholesale customers in the Houston area. SJRA is also authorized to operate in East Harris County through an agreement with the City of Houston, which allows SJRA to operate east of the San Jacinto River.
What SJRA Can Do to Assist with Flood Mitigation
Many residents are unsure of the role SJRA plays in regional flood mitigation and infrastructure development. While SJRA does not have unlimited authority, it can support flood mitigation efforts in several important ways.
Cooperative Projects
SJRA partners with local, state, and federal agencies to help facilitate and coordinate regional flood mitigation projects. These partnerships are essential because flood mitigation often requires multiple agencies working together across city and county boundaries.
Project Management Services
SJRA contributes in-kind services, such as project management, to help advance critical flood mitigation efforts. This allows projects to move forward with technical guidance, coordination, and administrative support.
Grants and Loan Administration
SJRA applies for and manages grants and low-interest loans that can be used for flood mitigation projects. These funding tools help support regional infrastructure improvements without relying on property taxes.
Public Meetings
SJRA holds public forums to hear directly from residents and share information about flood mitigation strategies, proposed solutions, and ongoing projects. These meetings provide an opportunity for community input and public education.
Regional Planning
SJRA actively contributes to regional flood planning efforts. This helps ensure community needs are represented in broader strategic discussions about water management, flood control, and long-term infrastructure planning.
What SJRA Cannot Do to Assist with Flood Mitigation
Although SJRA plays an important role in flood mitigation planning and project coordination, there are clear limitations to its authority.
SJRA Cannot Impose Property Taxes
SJRA does not have taxing authority and cannot impose property taxes to fund flood mitigation projects.
SJRA Does Not Regulate Development
SJRA does not regulate development within FEMA-designated flood zones or other flood-prone areas. Those responsibilities belong to city, county, and other local permitting and planning departments.
SJRA Cannot Require Developer Detention Facilities
SJRA cannot mandate that developers construct rainwater detention facilities on existing or new developments. Development standards and detention requirements are handled by local regulatory authorities.
SJRA Does Not Perform Routine River Maintenance
SJRA does not perform routine maintenance on the San Jacinto River due to funding limitations and property access restrictions.
Committed to the Community
SJRA is proud to serve the people of the San Jacinto River Basin. While its responsibilities are defined by state legislation and intergovernmental agreements, SJRA continues to look for opportunities to collaborate with public agencies, secure funding, and support projects that improve water safety, water supply, and long-term sustainability throughout the region.
Understanding what SJRA can and cannot do is important for residents who want to stay informed about flood mitigation, water planning, and regional infrastructure. Through cooperation, planning, and public engagement, SJRA remains committed to helping protect and manage one of the region’s most important natural resources.
