Dallas City Council Approves $35M Flood Detention Basin to Safeguard West Dallas Neighborhoods

DALLAS, TX — The Dallas City Council approved a $35-million construction contract on Sunday afternoon to build the West Dallas Trinity River Flood Detention Basin, a major civil flood mitigation project designed to protect historically flood-prone residential neighborhoods.

Engineering Design and Storage Capacity

The 280-acre engineered earthen detention facility, located between the Trinity River floodway and the Coombs Creek channel, will store up to 1.8 billion gallons of storm runoff during intense convective rainfall events. The basin features four automated high-capacity pump stations and gravity sluice gates that regulate stormwater discharges into the main river channel once downstream crests recede.

The project is funded through the 2024 Dallas Municipal Bond Program with matching grants from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) Flood Infrastructure Fund.

"West Dallas communities have experienced chronic street flooding during severe storms for decades," Dallas city leaders stated. "This massive detention basin provides critical flood protection, protects property values, and safeguards our residents."

Environmental Amenities and Park Integration

During dry weather periods, the perimeter of the detention facility will serve as public parkland, featuring five miles of paved recreational trails, native prairie grass restorations, and wetland bird habitats connected to the Trinity Skyline Trail.

Neighborhood neighborhood associations supported the combined flood control and park design, noting that green infrastructure enhances local recreation while managing storm runoff.

Construction Milestones

Earthmoving contractors will begin site excavation in November 2026, with the full detention basin fully operational by late 2028.