A sweeping federal appropriations bill headed to the president’s desk includes more than $30 million for Galveston-area projects, with major funding for harbor dredging and the Coastal Texas “Ike Dike” flood protection system.
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Congress approved a massive appropriations measure that includes tens of millions of dollars for Galveston County projects, paving the way for federal funding for harbor dredging and the Ike Dike.
H.R. 6938, a broad spending bill that passed the House on Jan. 8, passed the Senate 82-15 on Thursday. Both Ted Cruz and John Cornyn voted yes. President Donald Trump must sign the bill into law next week.
U.S. Rep. Randy Weber, R-Friendswood, whose 14th Congressional District includes Galveston, Jefferson, Brazoria, and Chambers counties, obtained about $30 million for the legislation.
That amount includes approximately $18 million to dredge the Galveston Ship Channel, $5 million for the Coastal Texas Project (Ike Dike), and $9 million for the U.S. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will use this money to deepen the Sabine-Neches Waterway.
“This didn’t happen overnight,” Weber said after the House passed the bill. “Southeast Texas is a gateway to our economic and strategic strength.”
Weber said the projects are essential for coast protection and energy and commerce through Texas ports.
As the state's principal nonfederal sponsor of the Coastal Texas Project, the Gulf Coast Protection District's Heather Betancourth called the $5 million for the Ike Dike the “most meaningful investment from Congress toward the Coastal Texas Project to date.”
Our $60 billion Coastal Texas Project flood control system protects Galveston Bay and Houston from catastrophic storm surge. Floodgates at the bay's entrance, beach, and dunes restoration are early steps.
“This appropriation represents a significant federal commitment,” Gulf Coast Protection District Executive Director Coalter Baker said. “It shows Congress wants to work with Texas.”
The Port of Galveston also praised funding for port dredging. Weber has long backed the port, which generates $2.1 billion in revenue, according to CEO Rodger Rees.
“House support is a major step toward getting $17.9 million in federal funding to maintain this deepwater port,” Rees added.
Besides federal appropriations, the port recently qualified for grants from the Texas Department of Transportation for roadway and signage improvements and the Houston-Galveston Area Council for a feasibility study on a direct flyover from Interstate 45 to the port.
The law gives Texas A&M University in Galveston $1.5 million to establish a long-term oyster breeding program.
The bill would be one of Galveston County's greatest federal cash packages for ports and coastal security if signed.
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