HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-2013-28 supporting Ike Dike structural protection systemRESOLUTION NO. JD 16 - -aN
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS SUPPORTING THE "IKE DIKE"
CONCEPT BEING PROPOSED BY TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-GALVESTON'S DR. BILL
MERRELL AS THE MOST EFFECTIVE AND EQUITABLE MEANS OF PROTECTING LA
PORTE AND THE ENTIRE HOUSTON-GALVESTON REGION FROM STORM SURGE
AND SUB -TROPICAL RAIN EVENTS; AND PROVIDING FOR THE DELIVERY OF SUCH
RESOLUTION TO TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY AT GALVESTON, THE GULF COAST
COMMUNITY PROTECTION AND RECOVERY DISTRICT, AS WELL AS THOSE STATE
AND FEDERAL LEGISLATORS THAT REPRESENT THE LA PORTE AREA.
WHEREAS, the City of La Porte Texas is a coastal community with 3.1 miles of
frontage on Galveston Bay and a significant population of residents and businesses that can be
affected by a storm surge and sub -tropical rain events, and
WHEREAS, storm surge entering Galveston Bay as a result of a hurricane or other
significant storm event tends to increase in height as it moves further up into the Bay and
endangers human life, destroys property, and damages sensitive ecosystems, and
WHEREAS, a comprehensive flood gate and barrier system along the Gulf Coast,
including San Luis Pass, Bolivar Peninsula and the mouth of the Houston, Galveston and Texas
City ship channels would provide the necessary protection for the Houston -Galveston region and
in particular, areas surrounding Galveston Bay, and
WHEREAS, the "Ike Dike "project looks to existing technology created and effectively
used in the Netherlands, and
WHEREAS, in 2010, the Texas Governor's Commission on Recovery and Renewal
reviewed the "Ike Dike" proposal and recommended a six -county public corporation known as
the Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District be established to explore viable
options for storm surge protection of the Houston -Galveston region, and
WHEREAS, the cost of constructing the "Ike Dike" project would be a mere fraction of
the cost of structural damage, lost productivity and environmental clean-up, otherwise incurred
without the project after a major hurricane, and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of La Porte desires to support the "Ike Dike"
project in order to advance the need for a coastal barrier system to protect La Porte and the entire
Houston -Galveston region.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LA PORTE TEXAS THAT:
Section 1. City Council finds that the recitals set out in the preamble above are true and
correct.
Section 2. City Council hereby wholeheartedly supports and endorses efforts by Dr. Bill
Merrell of the Texas A & M University at Galveston and others, to create the "Ike Dike" project
for a coastal barrier protecting the entire Houston -Galveston region, including communities
fronting Galveston Bay, from hurricane storm surges, and encourages the Gulf Coast Community
Protection and Recovery District to locate the necessary resources to facilitate construction of the
"Ike Dike" project.
Section 3. City Council hereby directs the City Secretary to send a certified copy of this
Resolution to Rear Admiral Robert Smith III, USN, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Texas A & M University at Galveston; Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District
Chairman, Mark Henry; the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership as well as those state and
federal legislators that represent the La Porte area.
Section 4. This Resolution shall become effective from and after its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 9- day of �It (J�/y 2013.
CITY OF WORTE, TEXAS
Mayor
Attest:
City Secretary