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HOUSTON (FOX 26) - The rain falls on the rich and the poor alike, but the flood recovery money doesn't always. Activists flooded the Commissioners Court to urge them to fund recovery and mitigation projects in poorer communities.
"There have been many studies and headlines across the country about how we as a country get equity wrong," said Iris Gonzales.
"It's very important that there’s some way to put appropriate equity analysis in the remaining projects," said Tony Sanguenza.
However, a representative for the 34 cities in Harris County says they want the county to settle on a different definition of equitable. He says they've changed the definition once already.
"We respectfully ask that you not create confusion by implementing such a criteria that does not focus on homes that have flooded as a priority," said Spring Valley Mayor Tom Ramsey.
That's the basic dilemma facing the court and the battle lines are drawn. Commissioner Rodney Ellis did indeed vow to do battle if income requirements don't get factored into how the monies and projects get allocated.
"I'm going to do my best to set the tone and I'm going to hope we don’t engage in class warfare, but if we have to, I'm quite capable."
While this gets hammered out, the clock is ticking. County Judge Lina Hidalgo says they can move forward on some projects while the Harris County Flood Control District comes up with guidelines.
"Right now we're holding tight while the Flood Control District reviews our options, and they can give us a timeline and they'll be able to give us a process.”