MINUTES

 

JOINT COMMITTEE ON COASTAL BARRIER SYSTEMS

Monday, August 4, 2014

10:00 AM

Galveston, TX

 

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Pursuant to Rule 1, Texas House Rules and pursuant to Rule 11.03, Texas Senate Rules, a public hearing of the Joint Committee on Coastal Barrier Systems was held on Monday, August 4, 2014, in Galveston, TX.

 

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MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Representative Joe Deshotel, Co-Chair

 

Representative James Frank

Senator Larry Taylor, Co-Chair

 

Representative Craig Goldman

Representative Greg Bonnen

 

Representative Abel Herrero

Representative Geanie Morrison

 

Senator Bob Deuell

Representative Chris Paddie

 

Senator Rodney Ellis

Representative Tan Parker

 

Senator Kevin Eltife

Representative David Simpson

 

Senator Craig Estes

Representative Drew Springer

 

Senator Troy Fraser

Representative Armando Walle

 

Senator Juan Hinojosa

Senator Glenn Hegar

 

Senator Robert Nichols

Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.

 

Senator Carlos Uresti

Senator Kel Seliger

 

 

 

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Co-chair Senator Larry Taylor called the meeting to order at 10:02 AM. There being a quorum present at 10:25 am, the following business was transacted:

 

Senator Sylvia Garcia also present.

 

Senator Taylor made opening remarks.

 

 

 

Mayor Jim Yarbrough of Galveston was recognized and welcomed committee and audience to Galveston.

 

Representative Craig Eiland also present.

 

Representative Deshotel called first panel, Katy Sellers and Tony Williams from the Texas General Land Office, to discuss coastal barrier systems.

 

Senator Taylor called Colonel Richard Pannell from the Unites States Army Corps of Engineers to discuss coastal barrier systems.

 

Representative Deshotel called Jim Blackburn from the SPPEED Center at Rice University to discuss the Centennial Gate.

 

Representative Deshotel called second panel, Colonel Len Waterworth and Dr. William Merrell from Texas A&M University at Galveston, to discuss the Ike Dike.

 

Senator Taylor called third panel, Chad Burke, Mayor Glenn Royal and Mayor Michel Bechtel with the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, to discuss coastal barrier systems.

 

Representative Deshotel called public testimony to discuss coastal barrier systems.

 

Witnesses testifying and registering on the bill are shown on the attached list.

 

Senator Taylor moved that the public testimony be closed; without objection, it was so ordered.

 

There being no further business, at 1:19 PM Senator Hegar moved that the Committee stand recessed subject to the call of the chair. Without objection, it was so ordered.

 

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Representative Joe Deshotel, Co-Chair

 

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Senator Larry Taylor, Co-Chair

 

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Nicole Sunstrum, Clerk