HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2006-12 support dry berthing of the BATTLESHIP TEXAS at the San Jacinto Battleground/by La Porte Development Corporation
RESOLUTION NO. 2006 - /2J
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE DRY BERTHING OF THE BATTLESHIP TEXAS
AT THE SAN JACINTO BATTLEGROUND; FINDING COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN
MEETINGS LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE HEREOF.
WHEREAS, the Battleship Texas is the last remaining Dreadnought Class Battleship in the world,
and has been berthed at the San Jacinto Battleground since 1948; and
WHEREAS, the Battleship is a nationally dedicated museum; and
WHEREAS, the Battleship Texas has been a local source of pride, history and a tourism attraction
for that time; and
WHEREAS, the Battleship Texas is showing signs of corrosion and aging by being berthed in the
water; and
WHEREAS, maintenance funding for the Battleship to remain in the water has been dwindling over
the years; and
WHEREAS, the Battleship's hull is in need of urgent repair; and
WHEREAS, the Battleship Texas in its current berth presents a potential hazard to itself and the
community if confronted with a "Katrina" size hurricane event; and
WHEREAS, dry berthing is deemed the best option to present and preserve this historic national and
Texas monument, now therefore,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LA PORTE DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF LAPORTE:
Section 1. The La Porte Development Corporation requests the State of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Division (TPWD) provide for the permanent dry berthing (lifting the ship out of the water) of the
Battleship Texas for several reasons.
Dry Berthing is the preferred solution in that it will:
· End the need for continual hull repairs
· Protect the ship and the public against the effects of a major "Hurricane Katrina" (Hurricane
Category V) like scenario.
· Provide for an unprecede1lted presentation and preservation of thl::. last remaining dreadnought
battleship while providing a "unique naval architectural look" at a warship.
· Provide an equally unique "tourist magnet" to the San Jacinto Battleground, the birthplace of the
Texas Republic.
· Provide for a potential "1945"context setting and a potential multipurpose amphitheater.
· Permit less costly maintenance on the ship and permanent utilities to be hooked up to the ship
· Provide national attention and recognition for fund raising that other methods, including Graving
Dock options cannot provide.
· Provide a key component of Project Stars, an innovative historic trail in Southeast Texas and
· Provide for the least cost long term solution to the preservation of the Battleship Texas BB35, the
sister ship ofthe Battleship Arizona, BB39, sunk at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1942
Section 2. The La Porte Development Corporation officially finds, determines, recites and declares
that a sufficient written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of this meeting of the La Porte
Development Corporation is posted at a place convenient to the public at the City Hall of the City for
the time required by law preceding this meeting, as required by the Chapter 551, Tx. Gov't Code;
and that this meeting has been open to the public as required by law at all times during which this
resolution and the subject matter thereof has been discussed, considered and formally acted upon.
The La Porte Development Corporation further ratifies, approves and confirms such written notice
and the contents and posting thereof.
Section 3 This Resolution shall be effective upon its passage and approval.
Passed by the La Porte Development Corporation this 24th day of April, 2006.
ATTEST: ..Ii.-
l111~ .~
Martha A. Gillett
City Secretary
CITY OF LA PORTE ~
4f%~ "'~
Pat Muston
Chairman
if/~f ~