The government wants to buy their flood-prone homes. But these Texans aren’t moving.

In Harris County, the flood control district wants to buy properties along the San Jacinto River that have flooded repeatedly. Some residents aren’t leaving.

By Emily Foxhall, Texas TribuneMay 21, 2024 10:15 am, ,

From the Texas Tribune:

Danielle Villasana for The Texas Tribune

Top left: William Clark sands wood that flooded at a rental property owned by Tom Madigan in River Terrace in Harris County on May 14, 2024. Top right: Discarded wood piles up outside a home damaged by flooding in the Northshore neighborhood of Houston in Kingwood. Bottom: Madigan shows the line where flood water reached at a property he owns.

Some people choose to live with the risk of flooding

Danielle Villasana for The Texas Tribune

The aftermath of the flooding on a street outside Houston near the Trinity River.

‘Where are you going to go?’

Danielle Villasana for The Texas Tribune

Top left: Jason Hodges pressure washes an air conditioning unit swamped by flooding at a rental property owned by Madigan. Top right: Rodger Pace’s back tattoo reads, “God Giveth and... God Taketh Away.” Bottom: Elvia Bethea, center left, passes out donated goods to John Smith III, left, John Gray, center right, and Jose Tabores, right, who were all affected by flooding.