About the Region 2
Flood Planning Group

Our Responsibilities

We’re one of 15 regional flood planning groups working to create a safer, more resilient Texas. Our role is to develop comprehensive flood plans that protect both current and future generations in our region.

What We Do

Our team develops and maintains detailed regional flood plans based on cutting-edge science, data, and mapping. Here’s what that means in practice:

  • We analyze flood risks through a three-step process:
    • Identifying where, when, and how severely flooding might occur
    • Determining which people and properties are at risk
    • Assessing how flooding could affect our communities and critical facilities
  • We recommend specific solutions to reduce flood risks, including:
    • Evaluation of current flood management practices
    • Strategic planning for future flood prevention
    • Specific projects to protect life and property

How We Work

Transparency and public involvement are at the heart of our process. All our meetings are open to the public under the Texas Open Meetings Act, with at least 7 days’ notice provided before each meeting. We believe in making decisions with our community, not just for our community.

We’re self-governed but supported by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), which provides grant funding that allows us to work with technical experts in developing our plans.

Get Involved

Want to join our effort to create a flood-resilient future? Here’s how:

  1. Check the flood planning region boundary map to confirm you’re in Region 2
  2. Attend our regular public meetings
  3. Share your input. Your local knowledge and experiences matter to us

Looking Ahead

While our first regional flood plan was submitted in January 2023, our work continues. We’re committed to ongoing planning and updates to ensure our region stays protected as conditions change.

Need more information?
Visit the Texas Water Development Board website at www.twdb.texas.gov or contact us directly.

Join us in building a safer future for our region, one plan at a time.

Members & Bylaws

Voting Members

  • David Basinger, Agricultural Interests
  • W. Greg Carter, Electric Generating Utilities
  • Andy Endsley, Counties
  • Dustin Henslee, Municipalities
  • Reeves Hayter, River Authorities
  • Troy Hudson, Public
  • Casey Johnson, Industries
  • Vacant Spot, Small Business
  • Laura-Ashley Overdyke, Environmental Interests
  • Brad Thomas, Water Utilities
  • David Weidman, Water Districts

Non-Voting Members

  • Trey Bahm, General Land Office
  • Darrell Dean, Texas Department of Agriculture
  • Jason Dupree, Texas Department of Transportation, Atlanta District
  • Michelle Havelka, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
  • Megan Ingram, Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)
  • Anita Machiavello, Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)
  • Lisa M. Mairs, US Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District
  • Emily Mott, Red River Valley Association
  • Cynthia Nolasco, Texas Water Development Board (TWDB)
  • Dan Perry, Texas Department of Transportation, Paris District
  • Tony Resendez, Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board
  • Andrea Sanders, Texas Division of Emergency Management
  • James (Clay) Shipes, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
  • (Vacant), Region 1 Canadian-Upper Red RFPG Liaison

Bylaws

Planning Group Sponsor

The Lower Red-Sulphur-Cypress Regional Flood Planning Group selected the Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG) to serve as the Planning Group Sponsor.

What is ATCOG and Why Were They Chosen?

The Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG) has been serving Texas communities since 1969. Based in Texarkana, ATCOG is a state-recognized political subdivision that brings local governments together and serves as a connection point for regional development and planning.  As a Council of Governments (COG), ATCOG specialize in helping local governments work together for common goals and mutual benefits.

What Does ATCOG Do as the Planning Group Sponsor?

As the Planning Group Sponsor, ATCOG handles several crucial responsibilities:

  1. Managing Funding
    ATCOG secures and oversees grant funding from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to support flood planning initiatives
  2. Coordinating with Experts
    ATCOG works with technical consultants chosen by the regional flood planning group to develop comprehensive flood plans.
  3. Administrative Details:
    ATCOG handles administrative things like organizing meetings, sending public notices, preparing presentations, and keeping minutes.
  4. Meeting Deadlines
    ATCOG ensures that regional flood plan deadlines are met and projects are delivered on time.

Having a dedicated organization like ATCOG managing flood planning provides:

  • Professional oversight of flood planning initiatives
  • Efficient coordination between local governments
  • Expert management of public funds
  • Transparent communication about flood planning activities
Contact ATCOG