As we watch tropical systems brew approaching the Gulf of Mexico thoughts of the Ike Dike come to the fore.
Several GOP elected officials came to the coastal region this week to take a look at potential sites for the proposed 70-mile long coastal barrier.
Senator Ted Cruz met on Wednesday with leaders of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District. Joining Cruz were State Rep. Mayes Middleton and Congressman Randy Weber, who represent the coastal counties in the area.
The project is still tied up in politics, the House and Senate reconciling their versions of the Water Resources Development Act, which have competing plans. Rep. Weber hopes the negotiations will be complete and the completed arrangement will be signed by President Biden by November. Federal funding will cover 65% of the $31-billion dollar cost, the Gulf Coast Protection District providing the rest.
Hurricane Ike's 22-foot storm surge in 2008 inspired the idea for the coastal barrier.
The project is expected to take 20-years to build with a service expectancy of between 80 to 100 years.
photo: Getty Images