BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.C.R. 48 89R23393 KSM-F By: Middleton Natural Resources 4/16/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT In 2021 the legislature created the Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD) to act as the non-federal sponsor for the Coastal Texas Project and the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management Project. The GCPD includes Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson, and Orange Counties. The state has the responsibility to make certain that the design of the coastal barrier does not come at the expense of safe navigation of vessel traffic and continued economic growth and commerce along the Houston Ship Channel. The initial proposed design of the coastal barrier project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would negatively impact two-way maritime vessel transiting, requiring nearly perfect piloting to avoid significant safety risks. Additionally, the proposed design does not contemplate the existing and future growth of the channel. S.C.R. 48 would urge the GCPD and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to not compromise navigation safety or two-way traffic vessel movement when implementing a coastal barrier project. The GCPD is essential to accomplish the purposes of Section 59 (Conservation and Development of Natural Resources; Development of Parks and Recreational Facilities; Conservation and Reclamation Districts; Indebtedness and Taxation Authorized), Article XVI (General Provisions), Texas Constitution, and for protecting the coast in Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson, and Orange Counties and territory annexed to the district. The Texas Legislature has authorized GCPD, in fulfilling its duties, to manage coastal barriers, improve seawalls, establish environmental mitigation facilities, and provide interior drainage remediation to the region. In establishing and managing these projects, GCPD should prioritize the safety and continued economic activity of the region. RESOLVED That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby urge the Gulf Coast Protection District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to not compromise navigation safety or two-way traffic vessel movement when implementing a project authorized by the legislature under Section 9502.0301(a) (relating to authorizing the Gulf Coast Protection District to maintain and protect certain ecosystems), Special District Local Laws Code. That the Texas secretary of state forward an official copy of this resolution to the Gulf Coast Protection District and to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.C.R. 48
89R23393 KSM-F By: Middleton
Natural Resources
4/16/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.C.R. 48
89R23393 KSM-F
By: Middleton
Natural Resources
4/16/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
In 2021 the legislature created the Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD) to act as the non-federal sponsor for the Coastal Texas Project and the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management Project. The GCPD includes Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson, and Orange Counties. The state has the responsibility to make certain that the design of the coastal barrier does not come at the expense of safe navigation of vessel traffic and continued economic growth and commerce along the Houston Ship Channel. The initial proposed design of the coastal barrier project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would negatively impact two-way maritime vessel transiting, requiring nearly perfect piloting to avoid significant safety risks. Additionally, the proposed design does not contemplate the existing and future growth of the channel.
S.C.R. 48 would urge the GCPD and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to not compromise navigation safety or two-way traffic vessel movement when implementing a coastal barrier project.
The GCPD is essential to accomplish the purposes of Section 59 (Conservation and Development of Natural Resources; Development of Parks and Recreational Facilities; Conservation and Reclamation Districts; Indebtedness and Taxation Authorized), Article XVI (General Provisions), Texas Constitution, and for protecting the coast in Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson, and Orange Counties and territory annexed to the district.
The Texas Legislature has authorized GCPD, in fulfilling its duties, to manage coastal barriers, improve seawalls, establish environmental mitigation facilities, and provide interior drainage remediation to the region.
In establishing and managing these projects, GCPD should prioritize the safety and continued economic activity of the region.
RESOLVED
That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby urge the Gulf Coast Protection District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to not compromise navigation safety or two-way traffic vessel movement when implementing a project authorized by the legislature under Section 9502.0301(a) (relating to authorizing the Gulf Coast Protection District to maintain and protect certain ecosystems), Special District Local Laws Code.
That the Texas secretary of state forward an official copy of this resolution to the Gulf Coast Protection District and to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.