By: Deshotel, Perez, Faircloth, Roberts, H.C.R. No. 106
      Cain, et al.
 
 
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
         WHEREAS, Texas has been the nation's top exporting state for
  the last 14 consecutive years, with an estimated $650 billion in
  trade in 2015 alone; exports support some 1.6 million jobs and
  contribute over $200 billion to the gross state product; and
         WHEREAS, The Gulf Coast region of Texas plays a crucial role
  in the prosperity of the state, as it is home not only to the largest
  concentration of petrochemical manufacturing and refining
  facilities in the United States but also to the federal Strategic
  Petroleum Reserve and a vital supply of aviation jet fuel for
  military and commercial use; in addition, Texas ports along the
  Gulf Coast are integral to the chemical manufacturing industry and
  to both the state and national economies; and
         WHEREAS, This Gulf Coast region, however, is vulnerable to
  major weather events, including intense hurricanes, which in the
  recent past have devastated area cities by causing significant loss
  of life, destroying residential and commercial property, damaging
  sensitive ecosystems, and weakening local economies; and
         WHEREAS, In response to the havoc wreaked by Hurricanes Ike
  and Rita, researchers at the Center for Texas Beaches and Shores at
  Texas A&M University at Galveston designed the Coastal Spine; plans
  for implementing the structure have included consideration of
  scientific research, historical storm data, and existing systems;
  moreover, the environmental impact such an apparatus would have on
  the surrounding area and waterway is being vigorously evaluated,
  and the study is expected to be completed in the summer of 2017; and
         WHEREAS, The Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery
  District, composed of Orange, Jefferson, Chambers, Harris,
  Galveston, and Brazoria Counties, was created by Governor Rick
  Perry in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike; its board, which
  represents more than 6.5 million residents who live in the upper
  Gulf Coast area, has determined that the Coastal Spine is the best
  method for protecting against storm surges along the Texas coast;
  the concept has also gained widespread support from residents,
  businesses, and elected officials throughout the coastal region;
  and
         WHEREAS, The General Land Office of the State of Texas is
  committed to partnering with the United States Army Corps of
  Engineers to implement the construction of the Coastal Spine; and
         WHEREAS, The Texas Legislature is committed to the creation
  of a special purpose district within the Gulf Coast Region in order
  to fund the ongoing operations and maintenance of any structures
  and facilities related to the Coastal Spine; and
         WHEREAS, The potential benefits of the Coastal Spine are
  manifold, ranging from preserving life and property to spurring
  economic growth and cutting state expenses for disaster assistance,
  and it is necessary for the U.S. government to provide aid and
  support for further research, design, and construction of the
  coastal barrier; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas
  hereby express its support for the development and construction of
  a coastal barrier to protect the Gulf Coast region of Texas from
  storm surges; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That the Texas Legislature hereby urge the United
  States Congress to provide sufficient federal funding for the
  construction of the project; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That the Texas Legislature hereby urge the U.S.
  Congress to expedite the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers design and
  construction process; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That the Texas secretary of state forward official
  copies of this resolution to the president of the United States, to
  the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House of
  Representatives of the United States Congress, and to all the
  members of the Texas delegation to Congress with the request that
  this resolution be entered in the Congressional Record as a
  memorial to the Congress of the United States of America.