Lawmakers Learn About Storm Barriers to Protect Galveston

Lawmakers and backers of coastal barrier systems are meeting in Galveston, Texas, to talk about the feasibility of building one to protect the Galveston area from hurricane storm surges.

Texas Rep. Joe Deshotel, who chairs the House Land and Resources Management committee, says the talks Monday are a fact-finding mission to educate members of his panel.

The discussion includes a presentation by proponents of the so-called Ike Dike barrier designed to prevent the catastrophic damage sustained in 2008 from Hurricane Ike.

Deshotel tells The Galveston County Daily News lawmakers have to start somewhere to begin understanding what’s involved so they can make an informed decision.