The Ike Dike

[yowzayowzayowza]

http://www.billkingblog.com/welcome?x=0&articleID=476197
(ht: Carl Whitmarsh listserv)

The Ike Dike

Last week the Governor's Commission studying the Hurricane Ike recovery unanimously recommended to the Governor and the Legislature that a study be funded to determine the feasibility of a comprehensive levee system to protect the Texas Gulf Coast from future storm surges. The recommendation was prompted by presentations made to the Commission by Texas A&M of a concept levee system that would block storm surges from entering Galveston Bay. The proposed system has been dubbed the "Ike Dike."

To be perfectly honest, when I first heard the idea, I thought it was a bit outlandish. But as the Commission has studied the issue, all of us became convinced that the concept warrants a serious and detailed consideration.

The Ike Dike is the brainchild of Texas A&M Galveston's Bill Merrill. To review his PowerPoint presentation click here. The dike envisioned by Merrill would extend from High Island to somewhere south of the San Luis Pass and is specifically designed to protect the Galveston Bay environs. However, the Commission's recommendation is that a study that would include the entire Texas Gulf Coast.

The project would basically create a 17-foot wall along its entire length, incorporating the existing Galveston seawall. There are several possible designs, but the one that probably is most viable would be building a levee along the existing FM3005 and SH87 right of ways. These are already at about a 5-foot elevation, so they would only have to be raised by twelve feet to get the design elevation.

... snip... bunch more.

Direct link to PowerPoint presentation: http://www.tamug.edu/CTBS/Ike%20Dike%20CTBS%20TAMUG%2019March09.pptx

Pretty ambitious but appears quite cost effective. Prolly makes sense to include an extra meter for sea level rise over the life of the project, from 17 to 20 feet total height.

[onestepforward]

1. I saw a news story about this a few weeks ago

and it was really interesting. I know it would have made a difference during its namesake, Ike. I'm not for sure but I think that there might even be some federal funding available for it if it happens.

[sonias]

2. $3 billion in today's dollars

It's worth the money, but I don't think the Feds are kicking in that much. Texas and Galveston would have to be on the hook for the vast majority of the cost.

It would be nice to see the financial industry (bond market) approve a package for this.

I don't think New Orleans has been fully restored despite the federal government's promises and real money committed to the restoration.

If the Feds are going to deliver money - New Orleans is in line ahead of Galveston.

Sonia

[yowzayowzayowza]

3. Tiz far more than just Galveston.

This would protect the entire bay. I don't see where this is an either/or situation. Therez allot more at stake in the Galveston Bay area than NO, imho. I haven't seen as comprehensive a solution for NO yet either.

:shrug:

I don't hold much hope out fer either at this point.