The Gulf Coast Waste Disposal Authority (GCA) has declared storm surge protection a priority and stands ready to help shape a viable regional plan for a coastal spine project. SB 2265 was filed in the Texas Senate by Sen. Larry Taylor. The companion bill, HB 4308, was filed by Rep. Wayne Faircloth. The legislation would make GCA responsible for driving the proposed coastal spine forward.
"For nearly 50 years, GCA has worked to protect the waters of the state of Texas, and our board and management understand the importance of this opportunity to protect the region from potentially devastating storm surge," said GCA Chairman Franklin D.R. Jones Jr. "We thank Sen. Larry Taylor for entrusting GCA with this important responsibility, and we are ready to work collaboratively with local, state and federal governments as well as our region's industries to make the coastal spine a reality."
If passed and signed into law, the legislation would, contingent on federal funding, expand the territories of GCA to include Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Brazoria, Jefferson and Orange counties. It would also expand GCA's powers to include the operation and maintenance of a coastal spine. GCA would coordinate and work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to drive the project forward.
For more information, visit www. gcwda.com or call (281) 488-4115.
