Which Comes First, Functions or Amenities?

IFCD 3 enjoys a unique and valuable relationship with the Valley Ranch Associations (VRA), as we both serve businesses and individual residents of the community.

The Texas Legislature created IFCD 3 in 1983 in response to proposed development of Valley Ranch, the boundaries of which were largely within the designated flood plain of the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. By constructing facilities, creating processes to control flooding, then gaining and maintaining certification of this solution, property owners in Valley Ranch have the benefit of their land being removed from flood zone status.

In the teamwork that exists between our organizations, IFCD 3 and VRA have missions and deliverables that are functionally quite different. On the one hand, IFCD 3 focuses on the engineering, construction and maintenance of critical flood control facilities that serve individual residents, retailers and commercial property owners when significant rain, snow and ice hit Valley Ranch. On the other hand, VRA’s steady hand in designing, installing and maintaining amenities makes the community a premier place to work, live and recreate. VRA’s work ranges from managing turf, trees and plantings to maintaining attractive water features, such as the fountain recently reinstalled following our maintenance work at Water Circle. CCMC community staff and VRA volunteers lead the way in keeping Valley Ranch attractive.

IFCD 3 and VRA have the ability to work well together because each entity knows and appreciates its distinct role. Providing critical flood control infrastructure means IFCD 3’s work is not optional. IFCD 3’s projects exist to maintain the mandates and certifications of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Compliance requires regular inspections, maintenance, repairs and, occasionally, replacement of IFCD 3 facilities.

While IFCD 3’s focus is on functionality, the IFCD 3 board and our operating teammate, the Dallas County Utility and Reclamation District, have created and maintain a long-term practice of factoring the appearance of District facilities into our safety and sustainability work. The additional effort to choose attractive styles and finishes evident to the community comes at a modest cost and, among other things, reflects the insights that come from our board members being a part of various neighborhoods within Valley Ranch. While this approach is essential, it should be underscored that taxes assessed to business and residential property owners for flood control are to be devoted to that specific function.

Through the unique division of responsibilities between IFCD 3 and VRA, business and residents get both form and function, contributing to the overall attractiveness of Valley Ranch for all. That makes the answer to the original question “Yes!”