Following the April 2025 interlocal agreements between GCCDD and the City of Friendswood, GCCDD began evaluating flood mitigation options for the Clearview site. As of August 2025, the most promising approach identified is creek benching.
Creek benching increases a stream’s capacity by creating a wider, shallower floodway that allows excess water to spread out, dissipating energy, and reducing flood risk. The process involves excavating horizontal “benches” along the stream’s banks at the bank-full elevation—the level at which the channel is completely full.
This technique is considered more environmentally sustainable and effective than simply deepening the channel. By giving the creek a wider, multi-stage cross-section, it is better able to manage both moderate and high-flow events while maintaining ecological resilience.
September 2025 Update: The Board has directed staff to continue studying the site. Additional analysis will focus on identifying options to reduce or offset potential downstream impacts of the proposed benching project, as well as evaluating cost estimates.