A plan being developed by the Texas General Land Office and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would spend as much as $32 billion to protect the Houston-Galveston area from storm surges.
The project would construct the nation’s most ambitious and expensive coastal barrier system. It would consist of 12-foot-high sand dune-topped levees to protect beachfront homes and businesses as well as a storm surge barrier system.
The plan has already gone through revisions to make it more effective and more environmentally friendly. The plan has drawn criticism from the Galveston business community which says a proposed ring levee would hinder cargo and passenger loading at the Port of Galveston. Environmentalists are concerned that a gate system between Galveston and Bolivar to block storm surges would diminish exchange of saltwater and freshwater between Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico that is important to marine life.
The Houston-Galveston region, home to millions of people and the nation’s largest petrochemical complex, is vulnerable to massive storm surges and currently has no comprehensive storm protection system.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 25, 2016
Freddie Mac extends efforts to fund multifamily energy/water efficiency projects
The Multifamily Green Advantage targets existing buildings.
Codes | Aug 24, 2016
Weak building codes no match for recent natural disasters, say industry experts
The recent floods and wildfires in Alberta are being cited as proof.
Legislation | Aug 24, 2016
World Trade Center contractor found guilty of minority-owned business fraud
The company used two minority firms as fronts in a nearly $1 billion scheme.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2016
Federal construction contractors propose reforms to federal project delivery
Industry leaders offer how procurement system could be improved.
Legislation | Aug 19, 2016
California lawmakers may take action to address contractor negligence
An assembly committee heard testimony on deadly balcony collapse that occurred last year.
Energy Efficiency | Aug 17, 2016
Investor Confidence Project aimed at raising trustworthiness on energy efficiency projects
The new initiative screens projects to see if they are investor-ready.
Standards | Aug 17, 2016
U.K.’S BREEAM green building standard enters U.S. market
The standard is touted as a cost-effective alternative to LEED.
Standards | Aug 16, 2016
Standard for conducting, reporting energy audits open for review
A joint ASHRAE/ACCA proposal seeks comments from industry professionals.
Legislation | Aug 10, 2016
Calif. bill would speed up environmental lawsuits on certain projects
A nine-month limit has been proposed for some $100 million-plus projects.
Resiliency | Aug 10, 2016
White House pushes for better finance strategies for disaster mitigation and resilience
The move highlights innovative insurance, mortgage, tax, and finance-based strategies.