Posted on 08/11/2003 10:24:39 PM PDT by Diddle E. Squat
Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson says he is hopeful that legislators will restore money for the protection of the state's beaches against erosion, particularly in the wake of Hurricane Claudette.
We share that hope.
Erosion is a constant and severe problem. Almost every other coastal state in the nation has managed that problem better than has Texas, even before the budget cutbacks.
If barrier islands are breached and barge traffic on the Intracoastal Waterway is interrupted, Patterson noted, huge economic losses would result. Not to mention damage to the tourism and eco-tourism industry.
The General Land Office, which Patterson runs and which regulates coastal development, is working up a master plan to decide which areas are the most vulnerable and where to spend state money.
Patterson was on the money when he said, "The biggest problem is making it a statewide issue and not just a coastal issue. ... If a coastal senator or House member can vote in favor of boll-weevil eradication, somebody in Amarillo ought to be able to vote in favor of saving the Texas coast from further erosion."
In its regular session this year, the Legislature cut from $15 million to $7.5 million the amount available for grants to help finance coastal protection projects. The move came before legislators uncovered several hundred million dollars in unbudgeted revenues that could be appropriated.
"Wouldn't it be cheaper to stop the erosion at the beach today than to repair the farm-to-market road and utilities and lose all that tax base in structures?" Patterson said. "All too often, some of the opponents of beach protection say we're just doing this for those wealthy property owners."
Texas needs to have a debate about one of its biggest natural and economic assets.
By the way, this issue is another of the many good reasons state leaders ought to set aside their misguided partisan efforts to force congressional redistricting and get on with collaboratively solving Texas' real problems.
The beaches aren't the only erosion calling for Austin's attention.
| Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson says he is hopeful that legislators will restore money for the protection of the state's beaches against erosion, particularly in the wake of Hurricane Claudette. We share that hope. Erosion is a constant and severe problem. Almost every other coastal state in the nation has managed that problem better than has Texas, even before the budget cutbacks. If barrier islands are breached and barge traffic on the Intracoastal Waterway is interrupted, Patterson noted, huge economic losses would result. Not to mention damage to the tourism and eco-tourism industry. The General Land Office, which Patterson runs and which regulates coastal development, is working up a master plan to decide which areas are the most vulnerable and where to spend state money. Patterson was on the money when he said, "The biggest problem is making it a statewide issue and not just a coastal issue. ... If a coastal senator or House member can vote in favor of boll-weevil eradication, somebody in Amarillo ought to be able to vote in favor of saving the Texas coast from further erosion." In its regular session this year, the Legislature cut from $15 million to $7.5 million the amount available for grants to help finance coastal protection projects. The move came before legislators uncovered several hundred million dollars in unbudgeted revenues that could be appropriated. "Wouldn't it be cheaper to stop the erosion at the beach today than to repair the farm-to-market road and utilities and lose all that tax base in structures?" Patterson said. "All too often, some of the opponents of beach protection say we're just doing this for those wealthy property owners." Texas needs to have a debate about one of its biggest natural and economic assets. By the way, this issue is another of the many good reasons state leaders ought to set aside their misguided partisan efforts to force congressional redistricting and get on with collaboratively solving Texas' real problems. The beaches aren't the only erosion calling for Austin's attention. |
NY Times on the bayou pingLOL ! What an appropriate name for the fishwrap (and the keywords too) !!
the usual liars at the Houston Chronicle ^
PRAVDA; SHAMELESSFRAUDS; SONSOFBEACHES; YELLOWJOURNALISM;
What the heck is that?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.