Texas Coastal Resiliency Master Plan
For the development of the Coastal Texas Study and the Comprehensive Plan, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers referenced the GLO’s Texas Coastal Resiliency Master Plan. The Texas Coastal Resiliency Master Plan was created under the direction of Commissioner George P. Bush to support the mission of the Texas General Land Office to protect, preserve and enhance the state’s coastal natural resources. The Texas Coastal Resiliency Master Plan highlights the value of the coast and the hazards that endanger the environment and the economy of the coast communities. It also provides a list of projects and strategies to address those problems. This will ensure the Texas coast is more resilient today, and for generations to come. For more information on the Texas Coastal Resiliency Master Plan and to download the 2019 plan, visit http://www.glo.texas.gov/coast/coastal-management/coastal-resiliency/index.html.
Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Study
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and GLO are conducting this feasibility study to evaluate potential upgrades to existing Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) systems in Brazoria and Jefferson counties, and construction of a proposed CSRM system for Orange County. The feasibility analyses will determine if there is a federal interest in funding potential CSRM projects in the identified regions. The final report is complete. The Chief’s Report is scheduled to be issued in August 2017. The GLO is a non-federal sponsor on this study.
Storm Surge Suppression Study
In 2013, the GLO entered into an agreement with the Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District (GCCPRD) to conduct a phased Storm Surge Suppression Study of the upper six coastal counties, which include Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson and Orange counties. Phases 1, 2 and 3 are complete and resulted in modeling and cost-benefit analysis of potential storm protection projects, public scoping meetings and a July 2016 report with three recommended systems of flood damage reduction and storm surge suppression measures. In late 2018 the Study Team completed Phase 4 of the Storm Surge Suppression Study, which is known as the “Optimization Phase.”
In response to thoughtful and substantial comments received from elected officials and the public on the Phase 3 Recommended Plan, and with the support of supplemental Community Development Block Grant funding facilitated by the Texas General Land Office, the Study Team was able to carry out additional technical study and further refine, or “optimize,” the Recommended Plan.
The optimization of the Recommended Plan included: additional modeling, environmental field investigations, geotechnical research, further consideration of structural design and costs, and careful attention to gate configurations and impacts at Bolivar Roads. For more information on the Storm Surge Suppression Study and to download the Phase 4 report, visit www.gccprd.com.
Shared Responsibility for Flood Risk Management
Federal, state and local government entities share the responsibility for flood risk management through programs and authorities. Many federal agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, oversee programs to promote flood risk management and assist states and local communities to reduce flood damage.
A key element to success with flood risk management is the involvement of government leaders and the public, and the ability to integrate environmental, social and economic factors. The consideration of all available tools to improve public safety also is essential to the flood risk management decision process.
For more information on the flood risk management and shared responsibility, visit http://www.iwr.usace.army.mil/Missions/Flood-Risk-Management/Flood-Risk-Management-Program/Partners-in-Shared-Responsibility/