Title
Consider and take action on a resolution authorizing an agreement with the Bay Area Coastal Protection Alliance for marketing services related to the creation of a regional coastal barrier system in an amount not to exceed $15,000 (Council Member Long and Council Member Millican)
Background:
Approval of this item will authorize an agreement with the Bay Area Coastal Protection Alliance (BACPA) for marketing services related to the installation and implementation of a regional coastal barrier system in an amount not to exceed $15,000.
The BACPA is a nonprofit corporation that researches alternatives for storm surge protection in the Gulf Coast region, provides information and resources to educate the public about the economic, security, and public safety benefits of such alternatives, and carries out other charitable, scientific, literary and educational activities.
The current focus of BACPA is raising the necessary funds to create a marketing video that advocates for the creation of a coastal barrier system. A coastal barrier stops the ocean surge at the coast where it is about 17 ft. If left unchecked, a storm surge could fill up Galveston Bay with a massive amount of water and the wind and water behind it would push the surge up to 24 ft. or higher causing significant damage to property, sensitive ecosystems, and the loss of human life.
A coastal barrier system could be developed using manmade sand dunes (revetments covered with sand and natural grasses) along the length of the coast connecting to the existing Galveston Seawall. Bolivar Roads and San Luis Pass could be protected by large moveable flood gates that would be closed in the hours before landfall of the storm but would not impact shipping or the ecology of the bay when open.
BACPA has been working on the concept of a coastal barrier system for some time. Originally called the "Ike Dike,” an informal name derived from Hurricane Ike, which made landfall in Galveston, Texas, on September 13, 2008, the system is now referred to as a coastal barrier concept. This reflects the fact that it's a more inclusive system, which protects a larger region. The coastal barrier concept was developed by Texas A&M University at Galveston’s Dr. Bill Merrell. This concept is directly modeled from other technologies successfully installed around the world -- including in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, St. Petersburg, Russia, along the Thames River in London, England, and in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The BACPA is proposing the creation of a marketing video that educates both the public and governmental officials about the coastal barrier concept.
Funding of this video has been provided by other area communities including Houston, Deer Park, La Porte, Seabrook and Nassau Bay. On June 25, 2013, the City Council approved Resolution 2013-29 pledging support to the "Ike Dike" project. This action furthers that policy initiation. The purpose of the video is to continue to educate the public, including all levels of government, about this project and to ultimately support its advancement.
Attachment:
1. Data Sheet
2. Proposed Resolution
3. Request from Mayor Bechtel
4. Exhibit A - Proposed Agreement
5. Resolution 2013-29
6. Aerial View of Coastal Region
FUNDING
{ } NOT APPLICABLE
{X} Funding is available from General Fund Non-Departmental Professional Services Account # 1650000-53050
{ } Requires a Budget Amendment to Transfer from Account #____________ to Account # ___________