The city of Orange plans to install $1.9 million of storm gates on the eastern side of town to stop the Sabine River and tributaries from backing up through storm drains.
The project is one of three the city has submitted to the Texas General Land Office for Hurricane Harvey infrastructure grants through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. The projects total nearly $3.6 million.
The other projects are $1.8 million for a regional emergency radio tower, and $608,000 for more channel improvements of Cooper’s Gully, which drains into the Sabine.
The application said the city wants to install 22 storm gates mainly in the Old Town area. Twelve of the sites will be east of Simmons Drive, five will be south of Green Avenue, and five will be north of Interstate 10.
The city says the gates will be on drain outfall lines and culverts that flow to the Sabine or one of its tributaries. Streets and roads in the area are elevated above the 100 year flood zone, but some of the drainage pipes are below that level. When the river and tributaries flood, the backflow can go into the streets, along with residential and business areas.
The storm gates would allow the city to close a drain line so water does not back up from the river.
The Orange City Council will have a public meeting on the projects and grant application during the regular meeting set for 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 14. Council meetings have been held through the GoToMeeting program online or by phone conference. Citizens will be able to participate in the public hearing by computer or phone.
-Margaret Toal, KOGT-
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