02-18-2002 Port of Houston Expansion Review Committee Meeting

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! ~ WETLAND S/HABITAT • Wetlands in the Galveston Bay watershed provide treatment of storm water runoff and buffer floods to reduce storm surges and additionally serve as habitat for wildlife and commercially valuable species. • The DEIS describes 2.5 acres of wetlands under the jurisdiction of the Corps that will be destroyed and require mitigation and 103.5 acres of non jurisdictional wetlands. The DEIS lacks adequate discussion on the impact of losing these wetlands. • The DEIS lacks adequate discussion on the value of wetlands, specific mitigation requirements, or the location of mitigation. BAYFRONT DEVELOPMENT/RECREATION • The permit is silent in addressing the impact that Bayport development will have on future recreation and bayfront developments in La Porte. In 1993, the City adopted a Bayfront Master Plan. The primary aims of this study are to stimulate economic development within the City, to diversify the City's economic base through the stimulation of its tourist industry, and to create a more desirable physical environment through the enhancement of its waterfront assets. A copy of this report was given to the Port of Houston Authority consultants. They indicated that it was good we had plans for waterfront development and that they would study what impact the Bayport development would have on our vision and respond to us. No response has been afforded to us. The Corps should look at all plans which were adopted before Bayport was conceived to determine how the proposed development will hinder growth, redevelopment, and the ability for beautification and visual enhancement of the waterfront as well as of the waterfront district itself. Approximately 2 '/z years ago we issued a position paper on the expansion. For the purpose of record keeping, we are resubmitting it to you as it was written and delivered to your agency on August 17, 1999 at a scoping meeting held in Pasadena, Texas. 9