The USACE and GLO are hosting virtual public meetings to encourage citizens to provide feedback on the Coastal Texas Study Draft Feasibility Report. The Draft Proposal outlines the findings of the study and puts forward a recommendation as to how to best protect the Texas coast in a cost-effective, feasible way.
The virtual public meetings will be held on December 3rd and December 8th, 2020. To sign up for an upcoming public meeting, please visit https://www.coastalstudy.texas.gov/get-involved/public-meetings/index.html.
What is the Coastal Texas Study?
The Coastal Texas Study is a 5.5 year, $19.8M comprehensive study led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in partnership with its non-federal cost-share sponsor, the Texas General Land Office. The purpose of the study to identify feasible projects that reduce risks to public health and the economy, restore critical ecosystems, and advance coastal resiliency.
The results of the engineering, economic and environmental examinations will result in a final recommended plan that consists of coastal storm risk management and ecosystem restoration features. This plan will be submitted to Congress for authorization and funding in late Spring of 2021. To view the draft proposal, please visit https://www.coastalstudy.texas.gov/draft-proposal/locations/index.html
How will this affect Clear Lake Shores?
Each region on the Texas Coast has unique needs and vulnerabilities. As such, the proposed measures vary significantly by location. The “Multiple Lines of Defense” strategy features many different types of protection measures. No two areas of the Texas coast will be treated the same. What is recommended in Galveston will be very different than what is recommended on South Padre Island.
The Clear Lake Gate System - Draft Proposal
There are two inlets from Galveston Bay into Clear Lake. The plan proposes the construction of a 75-foot floating sector gate in the southernmost inlet to accommodate boat traffic into and out of Clear Lake. The sector gate would have a sill elevation of -10 feet to match the authorized depth of the existing channel. To the right and left of the sector gate, we propose to add in circulation gates to address potential water quality concerns and assure tidal flow between the inlet and Clear Lake.
In the northernmost inlet, a pumping station would be needed so that, when the gates are closed, water coming down from the watershed (due to rainfall) would be pumped out to the Bay. The pumping station would have a designed capacity of 20,000 cubic feet per second.
To tie the gates and the pumping station together, and to connect to the land on both sides, a floodwall system at an elevation of 17 feet would be constructed. The floodwall and closure structure would start on the west side of State Highway 146, near NASA Road 1, and end on the south side of the outlet, near Marina Bay Drive west of State Highway 146. To read more about the Clear Lake Gate System, please visit: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/bacf6de01b0c43a5825c8ea4705c83e7
Why is my opinion important?
Throughout the study process, public feedback is critical to understanding the needs and opportunities along the Texas coast. Your comments and engagement help shape the proposals, and ultimately, the outcome of the study. To submit a comment or ask a question by mail, e-mail, or phone, see the addresses below:
Email: CoastalTexas@usace.army.mil
Phone: 409-766-3004
Mailing Address:
Attn: Mr. Jeff Pinsky
Environmental Compliance Branch
Regional Planning and Environmental Center
P.O. Box 1229
Galveston, TX 77553-1229
PUBLIC COMMENTS ARE DUE BY DECEMBER 14, 2020.