Multi-year project ensures spillway safety; final funding sought
THE WOODLANDS, Texas, September 25, 2025 – The 40-year-old Bear Branch Dam spillway in The Woodlands remains strong and well-maintained, and a pending multi-year rehabilitation project will keep it that way, The Woodlands Water Agency said today.
A recent study by Schnabel Engineering, a national firm with infrastructure experience in 130 countries, has recommended that the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) move forward with a comprehensive rehabilitation of the dam spillway. SJRA has managed the dam for the past 25 years on behalf of five municipal utility districts (MUDs) in The Woodlands.
Erich Peterson, General Manager of The Woodlands Water Agency, said, “Because the dam is due for maintenance, SJRA and our MUDs have secured funding to complete the design phase of the renewal project and a portion of the construction improvements.”
The engineering study emphasized that the dam remains safe but advised that additional improvements should move forward now to keep the project on schedule. These findings were shared at a recent Woodlands Township Board meeting, where some residents inquired about the speed of the project.
The full project is expected to take three to four years and cost about $14 million—including about $1.4 million from the MUDs. An additional $4.8 million is still needed for construction, and SJRA is working with state, federal, and local partners to secure the remaining funding needed to complete construction.
SJRA General Manager Aubrey Spear confirmed that securing funding to continue the project remains a top priority. “Once the remaining funding for the additional improvements is secured, we can begin construction work. We are exploring funding options on behalf of the MUDs and have already secured a federal commitment for partial funding. We continue to work with The Woodlands Township, The Woodlands Water Agency, and state officials to identify additional support.”
Peterson added, “The Woodlands MUDs are committed to advancing the engineering and construction of the project as quickly as possible, while enhancing the safety of the dam. The engineering consultant has confirmed that the project is on schedule and moving forward accordingly.”
Spear stressed that the project reflects prudent planning. “SJRA performs routine inspections and continuous maintenance and monitoring activities,” he said. “We also contract with consultants every five years, as required by state regulators, to inspect the dam. We follow up and make needed repairs after each inspection to enhance the integrity of the structure.”
CONTACT: Erich Peterson, The Woodlands Water Agency, epeterson@woodlandswater.org, 855-H20-SAVE (426-7283).
