METRO Offers Free Election Day Rides as Houston Updates Flood Resilience Plan and Safety Cases

Updates on public transit, flood resilience, port security, and public safety have been reported across Houston, nearby counties, and Texas by local and national outlets.

For Houston commuters and voters, Click2Houston reported that Houston voters can ride for free on Election Day with METRO. Meanwhile, city infrastructure planning continues to address flooding. According to a report by Autodesk, Houston Public Works is building a living master plan for flood resilience.

Disaster recovery funding and storm history also remained in focus across the state and city. Click2Houston reported that FEMA approved millions for Texas recovery projects just days after denying individual aid to flood survivors. In a separate report looking back at past Houston storm recovery, Parade Magazine noted that J.J. Watt donated $100,000 in 2017 to launch Hurricane Harvey relief, and his fund went on to raise over $37 million for Houston. Elsewhere in the state, Texas Storm Chasers reported in its Texas Weather Roundup that storms and flash flooding are expected in Far West Texas this weekend.

On the maritime security front, Chron reported that a federal agency has given Galveston more than $1M for port security. Several public safety and legal developments were also reported in Houston and Fort Bend County. According to ABC13 Houston, Houston ISD stated that a student is in custody after a gun was discovered at Hogg Middle School.

In another local report, Houston Public Media stated that a man died at Houston's new homeless service center, and noted that the operator will not answer questions about his death. Additionally, Houston Public Media reported that a former Fort Bend County constable deputy has been indicted for theft and tampering.