Coastal Protection Plan In Texas: An Overview ✓ Solved

Coastal Protection Plan in Texas An Overview

Coastal Protection Plan in Texas: An Overview

The coastal protection plan I researched is the Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Feasibility Study. The Texas General Land Office and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers partnered on this study, which resulted in six coastal storm risk management options and nine large-scale ecosystem restoration projects.

The study area consists of 18 counties along the entire Texas Gulf Coast. It analyzes coastal issues such as Gulf shoreline erosion, inland shoreline erosion, economic destruction from coastal storm surges, disrupted hydrology, and loss of threatened and endangered habitats. Key components of this coastal plan focus on storm risk management and ecosystem restoration along the Texas coast, involving economic, engineering, and environmental analyses on large-scale plans. This proposal aims to enhance resiliency in coastal areas and improve our ability to recover, prepare for, and adjust to coastal dangers.

The estimated cost of the study is about $19.8 million, shared 50/50 between non-federal and federal sources. The coastal storm risk management plan will assess solutions aimed at decreasing damage from hurricanes and tropical storms to coastal industries and communities. Additionally, ecosystem restoration focuses on improving the quality and quantity of coastal ecosystem resources by preserving, protecting, and establishing coastal ecosystems in Texas, particularly for wildlife and fish habitats.

An Ecosystem Restoration (ER) measure is a structural element requiring on-site construction or an activity that can be combined with other management measures to form alternative plans. These measures were developed to address problems related to ecosystem degradation along the Texas coast. The ER measures aim to establish a sustainable and resilient coastal ecosystem while restoring coastal wetlands. They will help protect and support the economy and environment of coastal Texas by establishing normal landscape aspects and hydrologic processes, thus providing habitats for wildlife and fish.

Among the biggest threats to Texas's coastlines is climate change. For instance, by 2050, Texas may experience a sea-level rise of up to 2 feet in Galveston. Furthermore, the number of extremely hot days per year is expected to increase significantly, potentially leading to higher rates of heat-related deaths and coastal storm-related devastation (Collier, 2015). Without substantial action, these climate changes could lead to reduced worker efficiency and decreased agricultural yield. Therefore, the success of the coastal plan is crucial to safeguarding Texas's coastal lines.

Additional Coastal Defense Insights from New York City

Since 2015, New York City has initiated several coastal defense projects, aiming to protect urban neighborhoods from flooding and climate change impacts. Working closely with community stakeholders, the city has been investing in solutions that mitigate flood risks while enhancing recreational spaces.

Over $3.7 billion has been invested in coastal protection projects since 2015. They encompass a diverse portfolio aimed at mitigating the risks associated with coastal storms and sea-level rise. Major milestones have included the completion of the Rockaway Boardwalk and various flood protection measures.

In conjunction with these efforts, the city also announced $145 million in funding for new parks and facilities designed to protect the Rockaways from coastal storms. This funding was provided through FEMA’s 428 Program and focuses on projects identified through extensive consultations with local residents.

However, despite the ongoing efforts, financial constraints and natural disasters pose significant threats to these coastal defense initiatives. The risk of financial hardships can impede construction and repairs needed after disasters. Such challenges underscore the importance of sustainable funding for coastal protection efforts to mitigate future risks effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Feasibility Study is a vital initiative to address the pressing environmental issues faced by Texas coastlines. By focusing on ecosystem restoration and storm risk management, this plan aims to foster resilience in the face of climate change. Continuous investment and community engagement will be critical in ensuring the success of these coastal protection efforts, ultimately safeguarding both the environment and the communities that rely on it.

References

  • Collier, K. (2015, July 28). Texas Facing Major Climate Change Impacts, According to New Study. Retrieved from The New York Times
  • Coastal Study Texas. (2018, December 03). Retrieved from Coastal Study Texas
  • Texas General Land Office. (2020). Coastal Protection and Restoration Feasibility Study. Retrieved from Texas GLO
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (2019). Coastal Texas Study Overview. Retrieved from U.S. Army Corps
  • Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Climate Change and Coastal Areas. Retrieved from EPA
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2020). Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Impacts. Retrieved from NOAA
  • City of New York. (2021). NYC Coastal Resilience. Retrieved from NYC.gov
  • FEMA. (2019). Building Resilient Communities. Retrieved from FEMA.gov
  • New York City Department of Environmental Protection. (2018). Flood Risk Management. Retrieved from NYC DEP
  • International Panel on Climate Change. (2019). Climate Change and Coastal Areas: Adaptation Strategies. Retrieved from IPCC

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