Marcus Stuckett will assume leadership of the Harris County Flood Control District on June 29, amid key deadlines for projects funded by Hurricane Harvey recovery funds.
The Harris County Commissioners Court named Marcus Stuckett as the new executive director of the Harris County Flood Control District, the agency responsible for mitigation, drainage and flood risk reduction projects in the county.
The appointment was approved unanimously on Thursday, June 25. Stuckett will replace Tina Petersen, who resigned in early June amid questions about delays in projects funded with Hurricane Harvey recovery funds.
The designation takes effect on Monday, June 29, according to Harris County documents. The position will have direct influence on projects affecting Houston neighborhoods and other county communities during the hurricane season.
Stuckett returns to an agency he already knows
Marcus Stuckett previously worked at the Harris County Flood Control District for six years.
He joined the agency in 2017 as a project manager and in 2019 was named Director of Engineering. In that role he participated in community meetings and public updates related to projects post-Hurricane Harvey.
Stuckett left the agency in 2022 to work in the private sector. His return comes at a time of pressure for the district, which manages long-term projects in channels, basins, drainage and mitigation works.
Commissioner Lesley Briones noted that Stuckett has more than 20 years of experience in flood control projects in the region. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo indicated that the leadership change aims to improve communication between the district, the Commissioners Court and residents.
The agency faces deadlines on Harvey funds
The leadership change comes as Harris County continues to work to complete projects tied to federal recovery funds from Hurricane Harvey.
The county has more than $800 million linked to projects that must meet spending deadlines. A portion of those funds, about $322 million, faces a nearer date in February 2027, while the broader current deadline reaches March 31, 2028.
If the county fails to meet certain deadlines, it could face the repayment of federal funds or the cancellation of projects. Local officials have sought extensions and adjustments to prevent mitigation works from falling outside the permitted schedule.
The concern is not limited to administrative handling. For families living in flood-prone areas, delays can affect projects designed to reduce water buildup, improve channels and protect homes during heavy rainfall.
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The district manages projects across Harris County
The Harris County Flood Control District works on drainage projects, channels, detention basins, land purchases, infrastructure maintenance and flood risk reduction.
The agency operates in a county where flood risk remains a recurring concern for Houston, Pasadena, Baytown, Cypress, Spring, Humble, Kingwood, Katy and other communities.
Hurricane Harvey marked a milestone for public investment in mitigation. In 2018, Harris County voters approved a $2.5 billion bond for flood control and resilience projects.
Since then, the county has faced challenges in planning, permitting, construction costs, coordination with state and federal agencies, and community pressure over the speed of projects.
Petersen’s departure opened a rapid transition
Tina Petersen had led the Harris County Flood Control District since 2022. Her resignation occurred on June 11, the same day the district presented a plan to accelerate pending projects.
Public discussion focused on the pace of project execution, communication with the Commissioners Court and the risk of losing or returning federal resources if works did not advance within the established deadlines.
After her departure, the county placed Stuckett’s appointment on the June 25 agenda. The executive director hire requires ratification by the Commissioners Court because the County Administrator maintains oversight of the district.
County documents state that the Office of County Administration can finalize compensation, benefits and Stuckett’s start date in accordance with Harris County policies.
The hurricane season heightens attention on the projects
The hurricane season keeps the Harris County Flood Control District’s work under close scrutiny.
Although mitigation projects do not eliminate flood risk, they can reduce damages in vulnerable areas when heavy rains, tropical storms or systems leave high water accumulations in short periods.
The arrival of a new director places monitoring on three concrete areas: progress of pending projects, meeting federal fund deadlines, and communicating with residents about works affecting their neighborhoods.
Stuckett will begin as executive director of the Harris County Flood Control District on Monday, June 29.
