Region 2 flood planning group seat open

The Region 2 Lower Red-Sulphur-Cypress Regional Flood Planning Group (RFPG) is now accepting nominations for one voting member to represent the small business community. This opportunity allows a local small business owner or representative to play a direct role in guiding long-term strategies and projects to reduce the impact of flooding across Northeast Texas.

The Region 2 RFPG, established by the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), is responsible for developing a regional flood plan that identifies flood risks, sets mitigation goals, and recommends flood management evaluations, strategies, and projects. The second cycle of regional flood planning is underway, and the next regional flood plan is due January 10, 2028, followed by the State Flood Plan due September 1, 2029.

“This is an important opportunity for the small business community to have a real voice in flood planning,” said Paul Prange, Environmental Resources Coordinator for the Ark-Tex Council of Governments and sponsor administrator for the planning group. “We are looking for someone who understands the economic impact of flooding on local business operations and wants to help shape meaningful solutions.”

The Region 2 planning area covers 20 counties in Northeast Texas, including all of Bowie, Lamar, Cass, Red River, Franklin, Delta, Titus, Marion, Camp, and Morris Counties, and portions of Cooke, Fannin, Grayson, Gregg, Harrison, Hopkins, Hunt, Panola, Upshur, and Wood Counties. The selected member will attend public meetings, represent small business interests, and vote on key decisions related to flood mitigation projects and policy recommendations. Meetings are held in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, and members are supported with technical resources from TWDB and regional consultants.

Reeves Hayter, Chair of the Region 2 RFPG, emphasized the importance of broad representation: “We need input from every sector, and small businesses bring a perspective that no one else can provide. Their insight is essential to developing a regional flood plan that protects not only homes and infrastructure but also our economy and local jobs.”

To be eligible, nominees must reside in or conduct business within the Region 2 area and be able to represent the broader interests of the small business community. Experience with flood impacts, disaster recovery, or civic involvement is helpful but not required. A small business is defined has having less than 500 employees.

Nominations may be submitted by email to pprange@atcog.org. Interested individuals can also visit www.Texas-FloodRegion2.org for more information and access to the nomination form.

About the Regional Flood Planning Program The Texas Regional Flood Planning Program was created by the 86th Texas Legislature in 2019 through Senate Bill 8. It established 15 regional flood planning groups based on major river basins. Each group includes voting members representing required categories such as counties, municipalities, water utilities, agriculture, environment, and small business. Regional flood plans are updated every five years and guide future investments in flood mitigation across the state.