85R15241 RMA-D
By: Taylor of Galveston S.C.R. No. 32
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Texas has been the nation's top exporting state for
the last 14 consecutive years, with an estimated $650 billion in
trade in 2015 alone; exports support some 1.6 million jobs and
contribute over $200 billion to the gross state product; and
WHEREAS, The Gulf Coast region of Texas plays a crucial role
in the prosperity of the state, as it is home not only to the largest
concentration of petrochemical manufacturing and refining
facilities in the United States but also to the federal Strategic
Petroleum Reserve and a vital supply of aviation jet fuel for
military and commercial use; in addition, Texas ports along the
Gulf Coast are integral to the chemical manufacturing industry and
to both the state and national economies; and
WHEREAS, This Gulf Coast region, however, is vulnerable to
major weather events, including intense hurricanes, which in the
recent past have devastated area cities by causing significant loss
of life, destroying residential and commercial property, damaging
sensitive ecosystems, and weakening local economies; and
WHEREAS, In response to the havoc wreaked by Hurricanes Ike
and Rita, researchers at the Center for Texas Beaches and Shores at
Texas A&M University at Galveston designed the Coastal Spine; plans
for implementing the structure have included consideration of
scientific research, historical storm data, and existing systems;
moreover, the environmental impact such an apparatus would have on
the surrounding area and waterway is being vigorously evaluated,
and the study is expected to be completed in the summer of 2017; and
WHEREAS, The Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery
District, composed of Orange, Jefferson, Chambers, Harris,
Galveston, and Brazoria Counties, was created by Governor Rick
Perry in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike; its board, which
represents more than 6.5 million residents who live in the upper
Gulf Coast area, has determined that the Coastal Spine is the best
method for protecting against storm surges along the Texas coast;
the concept has also gained widespread support from residents,
businesses, and elected officials throughout the coastal region;
and
WHEREAS, The potential benefits of the Coastal Spine are
manifold, ranging from preserving life and property to spurring
economic growth and cutting state expenses for disaster assistance,
and it is necessary for the U.S. government to provide aid and
support for further research, design, and construction of the
coastal barrier; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby express its support for the development and construction of
a coastal barrier to protect the Gulf Coast region of Texas from
storm surges; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Texas Legislature hereby urge the United
States Congress to provide sufficient federal funding for the
construction of the project; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Texas Legislature hereby urge the U.S.
Congress to expedite the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers design and
construction process; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Texas secretary of state forward official
copies of this resolution to the president of the United States, to
the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House of
Representatives of the United States Congress, and to all the
members of the Texas delegation to Congress with the request that
this resolution be entered in the Congressional Record as a
memorial to the Congress of the United States of America.