Director of Harris County Flood Control resigns from position following questions over leadership

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- ABC13 confirmed on Thursday that Dr. Tina Petersen, P.E., Director of Harris County Flood Control District, has resigned from her position.

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.

RELATED: Harris County flood control leader not focused on her job status despite commissioners concerns

The commissioners court scheduled the June 11 meeting to discuss it further, the day Peterson went ahead and announced her resignation.

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.

ABC13's Lileana Pearson will have the latest developments out of Harris County on the next edition of Eyewitness News @ 3p.m.