The Joint Interim Committee to Study a Coastal Barrier System had published their interim report. Included in the report were the recommendations below:
Identify the best plan for coastal barrier protection
There are many studies reviewing the options for coastal barrier protection plans along the Gulf Coast. While other non-structural alternatives and options may be used in conjunction, there should be one structural coastal barrier protection system identified and efforts with resources dedicated to its implementation.
Urgency for preparedness
A sense of urgency should be used when identifying a coastal barrier system. We are unsure of the arrival of the next hurricane but historical trends indicate there could be another within eight years. Therefore, the collaboration of information and discussions will be useful in developing the best strategy in protecting the coast in a timely fashion.
Identify potential funding sources
The proposed structural coastal barrier options' costs are in the billions. Funding for such a large infrastructure project will likely need many levels of support. All sources of funding including federal, state and local should be considered. Other sources such as grants or the recent RESTORE Act funds should also be considered.
Continue the Committee to Study a Coastal Barrier System
The Joint Committee to Study a Coastal Barrier System provided a public forum for discussion on this important issue. Continuing the committee, and therefore the discussion at a state level, will be vital to keeping in the forefront this issue that is so important to Texas.
The full report can be found below as an attachment.
