HOUSTON — A group is trying to put a pause on a drainage project along Highway 288 in the Third Ward.
The group Stop TxDOT I-45 sent a cease and desist letter to the Texas Department of Transportation on Friday claiming a lack of communication and transparency.
According to a sign on North MacGregor in the Third Ward, work is set to begin on Monday.
Residents are hoping to stop the project.
"I absolutely do not want them to start. I need ... they need to pause," Tomaro Bell said.
She said she doesn't feel like there has been enough communication or community involvement in the project.
"How did you do this and not have any public engagement?" Bell said.
Bell claims that she was told the project was part of the North Houston Highway Improvement Project, but KHOU 11 News reached out to TxDOT which said that it's not.
Bell said she wants answers.
"Admit this was a part of the project and let us know why you removed it from the project," she said.
Bell has lived in the area for 35 years. She said she fears the drainage project could bring negative impacts to her community.
"It's going to help increase flooding. That's how we feel," she said.
Those standing with Stop TxDOT I-45 feel the same way.
"How much water will be coming into this facility, what the final design looks like, will it impact Brays Bayou? That stuff is not answered yet and it needs to be," Michael Moritz, a volunteer with Stop TxDOT I-45, said.
The group said it's advocating for the community with hopes of getting residents the answers for which they're looking.
"I am hoping that TxDOT announces some additional public meetings and that they announce that they will form a supplemental environmental impact statement for this project as a component of nature," Moritz said.
TxDOT didn't immediately respond to a request for more information on the project.