South Benbrook Residents Press FEMA on Flooding Concerns.

A group of Benbrook neighbors recently held a significant discussion with FEMA officials, marking a rare instance where the federal agency initiated outreach to residents. The conversation came after months of persistent emails, letters, and calls from citizens concerned about ongoing floodplain and development issues in the city.

Residents who participated in the hour-long call say FEMA was open and transparent about its role in the process, but they also uncovered gaps in how flood risks are assessed. According to those on the call, FEMA models do not currently account for ground-level flooding on private properties or factor in how groundwater is absorbed and how runoff behaves.

Additionally, the models measure water volume but not the dynamic pressure and velocity that can occur during heavy flow, such as potential surges from the Trinity River.

Perhaps most concerning for residents was learning that the hydrology data used in FEMA’s review was based on a study funded by the developer, with no independent verification or third-party validation. For many, this raised red flags about the accuracy of flood risk assessments and the balance between development interests and community safety.

The call reinforced FEMA’s stance that while it processes technical data, much of the oversight and authority rests with the City of Benbrook and its Floodplain Administrator. This leaves residents with questions about whether the city has done enough to advocate for citizen safety as new phases of development move forward.

The Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) at the center of the issue remains unapproved, and residents continue to voice opposition to additional phases of the project until more thorough reviews are conducted.

This conversation reflects a larger moment for Benbrook, where engaged neighbors are making their voices heard and pressing for accountability from both city officials and federal agencies. It also shows how grassroots persistence can bring long-standing concerns to the table, even at the highest levels.

For more information on FEMA’s floodplain processes and resources, visit fema.gov.

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Bobcat Summer Camps Are Back: Sign Up, Show Up, Level Up. Residents To Raise Petition Regarding Flooding Concerns Over New Development. Trinity Estates Project Raises Fresh Concerns and Sparks Passion Debate. Benbrook Residents Rally to Protect Mary’s Creek Floodplain.