Texas Coastal Study/Coastal Barrier
Houston Audubon is committed to protecting our coastal sanctuaries, and we believe any major infrastructure project along the coast must incorporate a thorough study of ecological impact.
The US Army Corps of Engineers is considering a massive gate and levee system 70 miles along the Upper Texas Coast intended to reduce storm surge from the Gulf of Mexico, sometimes referred to as the Coastal Spine or Ike Dike. Houston Audubon and environmental groups across the region are raising concerns about a project of this magnitude and the destructive long-term impacts. Not only will the gate system negatively affect the productivity of Galveston Bay, but the levee system will permanently destroy or alter some of the most important wildlife habitat on the Texas coast. The barrier-levee system as currently proposed will have a direct negative impact on coastal landscapes and habitat the region has already invested millions to preserve, restore and enhance over the past decade. Read our full statement here.
Update: The Army Corps has extended the public comment period on their Coastal Texas Study and the Coastal Barrier Project until January 13, 2021.
Photos and links to help you understand the Coastal Spine project and concerns expressed by the environmental community:
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Houston Chronicle article dated December 14, 2018. The perspective from Bolivar residents' point of view.
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News release dated December 11, 2018 written by Timothy H. White, Board President, and Helen E. Drummond, Executive Director. Comments are organized into 9 points.
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Response to Coastal Barrier Alternative. Environmental and Conservation Groups Raise Concerns About Current USACE Plan.
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Opinion article in the Galveston County Daily News, December 10, 2018, written by the Turtle Island Restoration Network and supported by Houston Audubon. (PDF)
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The official page containing the study and specifics on where to send comments.
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A new website has been created in January 2018 for the Coastal Texas Study. This is a joint effort by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in partnership with the Texas General Land Office.
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An article written by Helen E. Drummond, Executive Director, detailing the history, timeline and next steps. Written in late 2017. Contains links to key information.
