Dick Smith Dedication

Mr. Smith was born and raised in Wyoming, developing a love of the outdoors. But, as they say here in Texas, he could not get here fast enough!
He is married to Kathie, a proud father of 4 and grandfather of 1. After years in industry and working on a variety of projects related to defense, gas turbines, and finally a move to Houston to work on the Apollo program, Dick became involved in local issues facing our Cypress community, specifically flooding. After years of repeated flooding along Cypress Creek, in 1999, Dick, Pete Smullen and others formed a non-profit 501c3, volunteer staffed organization called The Cypress Creek Flood Control Coalition (CCFCC). Dick has served as President and President Emeritus since 1999.

The CCFCC mission is to protect and preserve human lives, properties and natural resources while focusing on three objectives:

  • Flood Mitigation – Research and advocate for flood damage reduction measures implemented in advance of urban development on a cost-
    effective basis.
  • Preservation – Promote development of parks, recreational amenities, and wildlife habitat, and preserve forests, consistent with the preservation of the watershed’s natural environment.
  • Education – Enhance communication links between the government, the private sector, and the public on matters concerning the Coalition’s mission and objectives.

The CCFCC has collaborated with numerous entities including the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD), Precincts 3 and 4 Commissioners and their staffs, Harris County Engineering, developers, MUD’s, State and Federal agencies, engineering contractors, HOA’s and other nonprofits, businesses, and individuals. With donations provided by various MUD’s and supporting members, the CCFCC was able to hire engineering consultants to both support and debate various studies performed.

The Coalition, under Dick’s leadership has made many contributions to the community through flood control advocacy, including:

  • Examination of Allison FIRM flood maps that identified significant errors in the 100-year flood levels at House Haul Rd, which in turn led to multi-year- over -year, successful flood map reviews, and correction processes.
  • Identification of needed flood basins (22 needed) and priority locations. This is the result of extensive advocacy to have the 2003 Cypress Creek Major Tributaries Study as a project to be updated as part of the 2018 Harvey Flood Bond. The update was included and led to the Baker Study, and the Jones and Carter (Quiddity) Cypress Creek Implementation Plan. The Implementation Plan is now underway and will add 13,000-acre feet of detention along Cypress Creek.
  • Merging of multiple studies to better understand how our bayous, creeks and reservoirs work undercurrent, real flood situations, and future conditions.
  • Worked closely with Kickerillo and Mischer personnel and Harris County staff to develop the memo of understanding for the development of the Kickerillo Mischer Preserve as a part of the Cypress Creek Greenway Project and creation of the 84-acre Kickerillo Mischer Preserve.
  • Worked with Cypress Creek Greenway Project and HCFCD to have SWA develop a conceptual park and vegetation plan to use for the development of Cypress Park.
  • Extensive work with HCFCD regarding flood issues related to the recognition of the Cypress Creek overflow zone on Addicks Reservoir and downstream Cypress Creek.
  • Advocacy for funding projects in the Cypress Creek watershed, including the identification of multiple projects essential to the reduction of flood risk along the watershed. Funding for many of these projects is related to the 2018 Harvey Flood Bond.

The Coalition also coordinates on the Greenway Project, a Master Planned Trail system providing hiking, biking, and walking continuity between communities located along Cypress Creek.

Dick loved to describe how he enjoyed his coffee every morning out on his deck which bordered the creek and its natural habitat.

He coordinated and partnered with other like-minded organizations such as Katy Prairie Conservancy, Bayou Preservation Association, Greens Bayou Association, to develop a broad coalition of support for his mission and goals for CCFCC.

Dick has been a tireless advocate for residents in his work to mitigate flooding across the entire Cypress and Little Cypress Creek watershed. He has dedicated thousands of hours toward solutions based upon both policy and infrastructure.

Many of the major flood mitigation projects currently planned and under construction are underway in part due to his untiring efforts. The designation of this detention area along Cypress Creek to Dick, is but a small recognition of the gratitude of the community.