Following the devastating Hurricane Harvey floods in 2017, Houston has explored a multibillion-dollar tunnel system to mitigate future disasters. Elon Musk's Boring Company, in partnership with U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt, is now pushing for its own narrower, 12-foot tunnels for a portion of this project. This proposal is reportedly around $760 million, with an upfront payment requested. Within two months of their lobbying efforts, Harris County Commissioners Court agreed to study a pilot program including smaller tunnels, mirroring Boring's specifications. Both Musk and Hunt stand to gain significantly if Boring is selected, with Hunt potentially leveraging the project for a Senate run. Discussions about Boring's proposal have largely occurred outside public scrutiny, with Hunt largely refusing to elaborate. Experts, however, question the effectiveness of shallower and narrower tunnels for flood mitigation, citing reduced water capacity. The county's previous studies proposed much larger, deeper tunnels costing significantly more. Despite these concerns, county officials have met with Boring engineers to discuss their capabilities. A commissioners court meeting revealed the county was considering a pilot program for smaller tunnels, potentially benefiting Boring.