According to Harris County officials, Dr. Petersen expressed deep gratitude in a letter, saying she was thankful for the opportunity to serve the Commissioners Court and the residents of Harris County.
Her resignation comes one month after Petersen was in the hot seat over missed deadlines, prompting Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and other county officials to question her position.
ABC13 learned that in a report, the commissioners were asking for important updates on 11 projects tied to $320 million in funding, which would go toward building new detention basins and improving bayous.
One of those projects was the Green Bayou Project, which was supposed to improve a five-mile stretch to protect tens of thousands of homes. Peterson asked for a nine-month extension of the project, which was not granted.
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Ahead of Petersen's resignation she appeared before commissioners' court to discuss the delayed projects.
11 flood control projects are at the center of this frenzy. Petersen said 7 projects are under construction, 3 are moving to construction by the end of this month, and one hasn't started at all. Those 11 projects are estimated to cost $320 million and were funded by federal dollars. But if they aren't finished by February on next year, the county and taxpayers could owe that money back.
To try to keep the money, commissioners approved changes Tuesday.
The flood control district asked to swap some projects to extend deadlines. A plan, they say, will allow them to finish all of the projects and not lose any of the money.
While they approved the plan, some commissioners asked why it took so long to get to them.
"The framework of this plan was put together four months ago, and to have to come this late is a discouragement to me, is a concern to me," Commissioner Tom Ramsey said.
After Petersen's presentation and resignation, a number of statements were sent out.
"It's always difficult to make personnel changes, especially at the highest levels of county government. We're making a bet that a change in leadership will result in clearer communication with both Commissioners Court and the residents, but this is a necessary step for us to be able to get these projects back on track," Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said in a statement regarding Petersen's exit.
Harris County commissioners said that during this transition, the Office of County Administration will work with Flood Control District leadership to support ongoing operations and progress of projects.
The commissioners' court said the next steps for the Flood Control District will be discussed at the June 25 meeting.