As many New Territory residents are aware, our levee, pump stations, and drainage detention facilities provide drainage, flood control and protection for homes within the Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 7 (FBCLID 7) boundaries from the Brazos River 100-year floodplain.
We have recently experienced an unusual amount of ATV’s and other vehicles driving on the levee, which is unauthorized access and activity. This type of activity is illegal primarily because of the damage that it causes to the levee and drainage system. Here are some visual examples of damage created by ATV or 4WD activity:
Vehicle tires tear up the surface and vegetation on the top of the levee leaving ruts behind. Water can stand in these ruts and create structural problems with the underlying levee. Additionally, the grass is essential to protect the levee from erosion, which can also damage the structural integrity of the levee.
Per state law, specifically Texas Water Code § 49.217, the use of motorized vehicles on District drainage facilities is prohibited and classified as a Class C misdemeanor for first time offenders and a Class B misdemeanor after the first offense.
It is imperative the District’s drainage facilities are not compromised or damaged by motorized vehicles. The Board of Directors has contacted the City of Sugar Land’s Police Department requesting that they regularly patrol District facilities and issue citations to violators. The District has signs posted along District facilities throughout New Territory notifying the public that use of motorized vehicles on District land is prohibited.
If you observe any violations or unauthorized access to District facilities, please contact the City of Sugar Land Police Department’s non-emergency line at 281-275-2020.