The San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) was created by the Texas Legislature in 1937 (Article 8280-121, as amended) with the mission is to develop, conserve, and protect the water resources of the San Jacinto River basin. Spanning all or part of seven counties, the organization’s jurisdiction includes the entire San Jacinto River watershed, excluding Harris County.

The SJRA is one of 15 river authorities in the State of Texas.  SJRA’s primary purpose is to facilitate and/or implement long-term, regional water supply,  wastewater treatment, and flood mitigation strategies. The SJRA does not have taxing authority; instead, revenue is generated from providing water and wastewater services 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 the official boundaries, SJRA serves industrial and wholesale customers in the Houston area and is authorized to operate in East Harris County through an agreement with the City of Houston, which allows the SJRA to operate east of the San Jacinto River.

What SJRA Can Do to Assist with Flood Mitigation

Many residents are unsure of what role the SJRA plays in regional flood mitigation and infrastructure development. Here’s a look at the  things the SJRA can do:

• Cooperative Projects: We partner with local, state, and federal agencies to facilitate and coordinate important regional flood mitigation projects.
• Project Management Services: The SJRA contributes in-kind services, such as project management, to help advance critical flood mitigation efforts.
• Grants/Loans Administration: The SJRA applies for and manages grants and low-interest loans for flood mitigation projects.
• Public Meetings: The SJRA holds public forums to hear from residents and share information about flood mitigation strategies and proposed solutions.
• Regional Planning: The SJRA actively contributes to regional flood planning efforts, ensuring that community needs are represented in broader strategic discussions.

What SJRA Cannot Do to Assist with Flood Mitigation

Despite the SJRA’s role in flood mitigation, there are clear limitations to the SJRA’s authority. These limitations include:

• The SJRA cannot impose property taxes to fund flood mitigation projects.
• The SJRA does not regulate development within FEMA-designated flood zones or other flood-prone areas. These responsibilities rest upon city, county, and other local permitting and planning departments.
• The SJRA cannot mandate that developers construct rainwater detention facilities on existing or new developments.
• The SJRA does not perform routine maintenance on the San Jacinto River, due to funding limitations and property access restrictions.

Committed to Our Community

At the SJRA, we are proud to serve the people of the San Jacinto River Basin. While our responsibilities are defined by legislation and intergovernmental agreements, we are always looking for opportunities to collaborate with agencies, secure funding, and support projects that enhance water safety, supply, and sustainability in our region.

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We remain dedicated to protecting the water resources of our communities and facilitating flood mitigation for all who call this area home.