Austin, TX – Lt. Governor Dan Patrick appointed Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst to a Joint Interim Committee to study a Coastal Barrier System for the Texas coast.
Kolkhorst will join fellow lawmakers to study the structural options that could possibly be built to prevent future storm surges. Created by Senate Bill 695 by Senator Larry Taylor, the committee includes members of the Senate Natural Resources & Economic Development Committee, the House Committee on Land & Resource Management, as well as two Senators and House members who represent coastal communities. With a district that spans a significant portion of the Texas coastline, Kolkhorst was tapped to represent the coastal stakeholders, along with Senator Taylor.
The committee will seek public input and hear proposals from university researchers about viable infrastructure projects that could be built to protect against future storms.
“Besides public safety, the danger of storm surges is a great risk to our gulf beaches, ports, industry, and property,” said Kolkhorst. “I’m honored to serve on this committee and look forward to working with the coastal communities in the district. I also look forward to seeking solutions from researchers at schools such as Texas A&M – Galveston.”
The Joint Interim Committee on Coastal Barrier Systems is expected to hold its first meeting early next year and will report its findings to the Legislature no later than November 1, 2016.
