Disaster Planning
Summary: Disaster Mitigation Plan The Mitigation Plan project is composed of actions to help reduce damages from natural and man-made hazards. These actions include: 1) All-risk hazard mapping; 2) Evaluate and recommend nonstructural methods to reduce the effects of hazards on Galveston Island. (The City of Galveston could adopt land use policies and development practices and offer retrofitting opportunities that will reduce the risk exposure to existing and future development). 3) Plan, design, and implement protection to critical facilities and infrastructure by partnering with UTMB, GISD, power providers, AT&T, USPS, and TXDOT; and 4) Investigate alternative methods of providing flood insurance to the community.
Summary: Emergency Operations Center (EOC) The goal of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is to support the City of Galveston leaders by providing a hardened communications infrastructure, work areas to convene responding city departments and to coordinate resources with the private sector and other agencies. The EOC will be located in an area that facilitates ongoing recovery operations and provides its occupants with sustainable supplies for extended periods. The proposed location will in part be determined by a hazard analysis to insure the location is free from predictable adverse events.
Summary: Rapid Response Plan The goal is to have representation by citizen leaders in each neighborhood area to facilitate information sharing among all citizens before/during/after an event to enable communication between the citizens and the recovery workers. The pilot project would establish an organizational structure, training criteria, responsibilities, and reporting relations with the City pre- and post-event. The Incident Command System will be embedded within the process to insure all parties are using a common language. Relations with EOC will include protocols for communication and reporting relationships. Citizen leaders will be liaisons between the city and each neighborhood association and will provide alternate communications to the population when normal communications facilities are unavailable.
Economic Development
Summary: Gateway beautification project This is a focused effort at ensuring the Island’s gateways –i.e. I-45, Broadway, Harborside Drive, Seawall Boulevard, 61st Street, Ferry Road, and FM 3005 – all present the best possible image of our city. This image is that of a clean, “inviting”, and well-maintained city filled with pride and a positive “can-do” attitude; a city that is well landscaped using sustainable vegetation and reasonable design standards utilizing existing code enforcement ordinances. Implementation is essential to Galveston’s long term recovery and will ensure a “quality of life” and cultural vitality that can attract and maintain a solid economic, educational, recreational, and medical infrastructure.
Summary: Casino gambling study project This project would study the broad issue of casino gambling and how casinos might impact Galveston. Additionally, the project would seek to evaluate pending state laws and constitutional amendments related to this issue, and how this might affect Galveston. This subject has been discussed for decades in Galveston, but most recently- following Hurricane “Ike” – discussions both pro and con - have re-emerged and it was recommended to gather information and seek to understand the issue at hand. It is recommended that the Galveston Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Committee coordinate with this committee to further this project’s development.
Summary: East End Lagoon Nature Preserve and Recreational area Create a world class, purposefully managed nature themed recreational area. Offer hiking/biking trails, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, crabbing, bird watching and protect sensitive areas. Build a state of the art interpretive, educational, research facility exploring the dynamic aspects of natural life on our particular barrier island. Locate on 686 City owned, richly endowed acres, at the east end and enhance the City’s reputation for an economy in harmony with its natural assets. It will add healthy activity options for all residents and attract outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. Capture fullest potential by engaging, using mainly private funds, services of a creative planning team to conduct research, develop a Master Plan to follow.
Summary: Port capital improvement project This project proposes the creation of a Task Force made up of representatives from such entities as the Port of Galveston, City of Galveston, Galveston County, Texas A&M University, Army Corp of Engineers, Galveston Economic Development Corporation, Pelican Island District, Navigation District, and other related port expansion stakeholders. This task force would be charged with waterfront (commercial and cruise) and Pelican Island infrastructure improvement –including improvement to rail and road access, as well as review both developed and undeveloped port properties for potential new development opportunities, etc.
Summary: Galveston Center for Technology and Workforce Development This facility is a state-of-the-art incubator/accelerator for new and emerging technologies. The Center will act as a catalyst for long-term commercialization, training, and business development. The Center will accommodate emerging companies through affordable office and lab space, leveraged common space and service, networking, business development services and an environment in which and entrepreneurial spirit is encouraged and fostered. Technology development is an industry that creates quality jobs and leverage resources already located on Galveston.
Summary: Galveston Downtown Redevelopment Plan The objective of this plan is to revitalize the CBD and Central Plaza by identifying opportunities and redevelopment strategies to create an economically successful and livable downtown, and to connect the downtown, waterfront area east of the cruise ship terminals, and UTMB. The plan will be used as a blueprint to attract new development of residential, retail, office and recreation/entertainment. The comprehensive strategy will attract additional public and private investments. The plan scope of work will include: transportation; traffic circulation and parking; parks and open space; infrastructure; urban design; land use; cost estimate; and development incentives.
Summary: Tourism Master plan Galveston’s vibrant community spans three centuries of history, culture, and economic development. Our past and present provide visitors with beaches, attractions such as Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn as well as unique opportunities to enjoy heritage and eco tourism. According to a 2008 report by Angelou Economics, tourism ranks as one of Galveston’s most important economic engines. More than 5 million tourists visited Galveston in 2007. They spent $561 million on the Island, not including an additional $14.9 million in revenue for the city or $191 million dollars in wages paid to employees of the tourist industry.
Summary: Galveston Business Incubator The Galveston Business Incubator would be a partnership of government, public organizations and private companies that will foster, develop and attract small businesses to Galveston. It would provide small business developers with education, technical assistance, discounts on business spaces, access to financing and networking opportunities. It will promote the community’s natural resources and vision to attract maritime, arts, renewable energy and ecofriendly businesses.
Summary: Seawall Improvements Strategy The Seawall is Galveston’s largest park and an icon for the city. Its improvements are intended to enhance the urban park setting of the seawall and would include traffic minimization, bicycle lanes, ADA compliant pedestrian crossings, landscaping, street furnishings, bicycle racks, and signage. A themed transit system, public restrooms, visitor stations and information kiosks also are included in the plan. The seawall has been studied on numerous occasions and this strategy implements pieces of those studies.
Education
Summary: Galveston Promise The Galveston Promise is based on the “Kalamazoo Promise” which has produced a significant increase in student enrollment in a city that previously experienced a declining population. For any long-term Galveston public high school graduate, we (the Galveston Community) will pay tuition and mandatory fees at any Texas public college or university. Students would have to make suitable progress towards graduation and, after admission to a Texas public college or university, to remain in good standing. Thus, the Galveston Promise promotes both educational achievement and economic development, providing an incentive for families to remain in Galveston or relocate to Galveston.
Summary: Multi Use Athletic Facilities In light of the damages to Galveston’s multi-use athletic facilities, coupled with the pre-existing need for improved facilities; the community should reconfigure and replace the facilities into a Master Sports Complex. The complex will reduce duplication of facilities (e.g. practice fields,
parking, and concessions) and maintenance costs. The complex would attract lucrative sporting tournaments that will increase tourism dollars. Designed with sustainability in mind, the complex would include a football stadium, multiple baseball and softball fields, multi-purpose practice fields, and other sport facilities. Additionally, it would also include a Hall of Fame of Galvestonians that have had distinguished athletic accomplishments. The complex would also be used for catered events in the off time to create another funding source.
Summary: Neighborhood Learning Center Strong education programs are critical to the recovery and sustenance of Galveston. We propose to establish a model Neighborhood Learning Center in a safe and modern facility, accessible to all age groups. Tutoring, GED classes, family and parenting activities and summer programs will support conventional education in Galveston, while other offerings will focus on personal finance, reemployment, technology and health and wellness. One goal of the center is to retain existing families and attract new families to Galveston. A second primary goal is to promote education as a core value leading to a better educated, more productive community.
Summary: Vocational Technical Center Developing a workforce with job skills that match the available jobs or jobs that will be available in the future is critical to business retention and expansion as well as the retention of residents. The Center creates a partnership between GISD and Galveston College to develop and operate a vocational institute that would provide training for high school, college and non-traditional students. The institute would be dedicated to training a skilled workforce compatible with Galveston’s needs in key areas such as hospitality and tourism, medical care and research, green collar/environmentally friendly jobs, oil and gas, and maritime industries.
Health
Summary: Health Needs Assessment The first step in providing cost effective primary and preventive health care to the uninsured and underinsured population of Galveston is to have an accurate assessment of their needs. The survey would assess the needs of the uninsured and underinsured clients of local social service agencies and determine the costs associated with providing them the necessary services.
Housing, Neighborhoods, and Historic Preservation
Summary: Sustainable neighborhood code compliance strategy project The goal of this project is to create a city-wide program to educate and inform residents and business owners about proper maintenance and property improvements – all created to stabilize property values, prevent neighborhood blight, and to reduce health and safety concerns. A sustainable code compliance program- utilizing a traditional notice and citation system for problem property owners – will raise awareness of municipal codes and as well will create a culture of compliance through community vigilance, pride, empowerment, and networking. A post-recovery strategy could be incorporated into the current code compliance program and implemented with 2-3 additional code enforcement officers.
Summary: Housing Market Study Conduct a housing market study to identify various housing needs, resources, and locations. This study will be the foundation for strategic housing planning involving a cross section of the community and prepared by a housing committee with technical support from municipal staff and consultants. This study will also provide guidance on future housing needs, both ownership and rental, identify actions for existing and future housing, and outline potential funding sources from private, local, state, and federal agencies. The study results will be shared with community groups and local organizations as a tool to shape policies, develop, and implement housing and community development programs.
Summary: Sally Abston Housing Program Prior to Hurricane Ike there were approximately 23,000 households in the City of Galveston; roughly 43% were occupied by homeowners, and 57% by renters. These percentages are the inverse of a most communities. The Sally Abston project facilitates home ownership for low to middle income families. The program focuses on assisting families retain their homes through repair or replacement and achieve home ownership though a self-help construction program. Initially the program would focus on repairing or replacing homes for existing home owners, but within two years, the program would begin a construction effort that offers current renters the opportunity to become home owners through a rent-to-own or lease-to-own program.
Summary: Neighborhood Regeneration—One House, One Block, One Neighborhood at a time Galveston’s recovery depends on its residents returning to the Island and upon revitalizing neighborhoods severely affected by Hurricane Ike, improving affordability and appeal.
Using the needs assessment called for in another project, this regeneration program will target neighborhoods recognizing that “one size does not fit all”. Phase I of the program calls for the development of a master plan for each target neighborhood that includes infill standards, infrastructure, streetscapes, etc. Each neighborhood’s regeneration would be centered in a Neighborhood Resource Center with resources and information specific to that neighborhood. This project designs for recovery on the neighborhood scale.
Summary: Galveston National Register District Nomination The long-term recovery strategy should include capitalizing on Galveston’s historic resources to preserve historic fabric, foster economic viability through tourism and increase opportunities for a variety of funding. Nominating Galveston’s historic urban core (roughly 6th to 61st Streets) to the National Register of Historic Places could meet this goal by providing recognition of the City as preserving its historic buildings through the application of design standards, infrastructure and new construction design sensibility.
Summary: Historic Preservation/Public Housing Partnership A partnership between the Galveston Housing Authority and the Galveston Historical Foundation to rehabilitate small and medium sized historic structures for scattered-site public housing in neighborhoods east of 61st Street in accordance with local, state and federal guidelines would provide address the need for safe, attractive housing for clients of the Galveston Housing Authority, increase awareness of the historical and architectural significance of Galveston’s housing stock, revitalize neighborhoods and prevent blight.
Summary: Historic Preservation Institute Galveston is uniquely positioned to fill a void in academic training in historic preservation. With its rich history and diversity of extant architecture, Galveston offers an opportunity for both academic and trades workshop education. Galveston’s own historic structures need to be brought into compliance with sustainable standards and this need coincides with the needs for preservation masters students to learn trades and techniques. This project facilitates a partnership with an established university that would expand its curriculum to include the center’s work in Galveston.
Summary: Façade Rehabilitation Grant Program The Strand Mechanic National Historic Landmark district is an icon on Galveston Island. Hurricane Ike caused immeasurable damage to roughly 50 historically significant buildings within the Landmark District. This project would allow historic building owners to access funds to be used for façade rehabilitation and thus stimulate a more sustainable downtown and the reopening of businesses in newly restored buildings.
Summary: Hazard Mitigation Guidelines for Historic Structures The development of mitigation measures (elevating, flood proofing and hardening properties) consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation will enable property owners to reduce damage from wind and flood while maintaining their building’s historic character. This project will develop mitigation guidelines for historic properties consistent with applicable building codes and local design guidelines by working with both local and national entities (e.g., city Planning Department, National Park Service) and will contribute to a sustainable environment by reducing loss of life and property.
Natural Resources
Summary: West Galveston Bay Preserve This project addresses strategies and funding for identification and conservation of some of the last remaining open space of West Galveston Island. It utilizes the Greenprinting for Growth document presented to the City Council in August 2007. Greenprinting is the Trust for Public Land’s term for “a strategy to manage growth, one that ensures quality of life, clean air and water, recreation and economic health. educational and conservation priorities.” The project will provide for protection of coastal habitats, trails for birding and walking, bay access for fishing, boating and kayaking, and environmental education on the value of natural resources to the quality of life on Galveston Island.
Summary: Protecting Island Resources Three critical steps are proposed concerning sustaining Galveston’s appeal and economic development.
The first is a Comprehensive Environmental Impact Study to assess what areas of the Island, and to what degree, may develop without reaching a barrier Island/ecological tipping point. This team proposes that, instead of a Federal Department action, a state-of-the-art study be conducted by Scientists at Texas A&M and Rice Universities. This team also proposes to draft new dune setback ordinances, in the wake of Ike, and draft a comprehensive Wetland buffer ordinance. Economic sources suggest land values and economic development proceed apace in areas where such exist.
Summary: Clean, Green and Smart Galveston Galveston is a center for environmental education and an example for new concepts of coastal conservation by becoming the icon for what is a progressive, sustainable, coastal community. The Clean Green & Smart Galveston Initiative is a comprehensive approach to begin creating a more sustainable Galveston. Enact a City wide clean-up initiative with an education campaign that inspires pride in the community and provides aggressive enforcement for ongoing efforts. Implement a comprehensive City wide recycling program. Institutionalize sustainability at the City Staff level with the creation of an Office of Sustainability to coordinate with other City Departments.
Summary: Trees for Galveston Following Hurricane Ike the community has identified the need for a comprehensive approach to the care maintenance and enhancement of landscaping and vegetation. This project contemplates the creation of a comprehensive tree maintenance plan for trees in public parks and spaces, a plan for planting native trees and vegetation along streets and neighborhoods to include guidelines that manage “green streets” which manage storm water run-off on site through the use of vegetated practices that benefit water quality and increase filtration capacity. It includes the development of and educational outreach program and a partnership with an established tree program such as Tree City USA.
Summary: Habitat Ecosystem Restoration
The habitat/ecosystem restoration project of the Environment and Natural Resource Protection and Conservation group seeks to restore up to 10,000 acres of marsh, wetlands, dune, oyster and seagrass beds habitat on Galveston Island and in the Galveston Bay. This will be accomplished through partnerships, job training/creation, service learning, and the establishment of nurseries for needed natural resources. Living shorelines provide the most cost effective means for storm surge abatement, flood water protection, sediment retention and ecological sustainability. This project will also be a great benefit to safeguarding Galveston's ecotourism, which relies on the beaches, recreational fishing and bird watching.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Summary: Thoroughfares and Bridges These roadway projects improve the mobility and evacuation safety of critical transportation corridors while decreasing congestion and simultaneously serving all modes of passenger and freight traffic. Components: an Island Thoroughfare Plan for improving traffic flow throughout the Island; a 61st Street Flyover providing a direct connection to IH-45; raising of FM 3005 and Harborside Drive to exceed the 10-year storm water surface elevation; a West Bay Crossing and a Pelican Island Industrial Causeway and Corridor to provide alternate island evacuation routes and new connectivity from the Island to the mainland; and reconstruction of the 51st street Pelican Island Bridge.
Summary: The Galveston Levee To reduce the threat of future flooding in Galveston, this project calls for construction of a modern levee system to ring the city with storm-surge protection. Similar to the successful Texas City levee, the project proposes to design an environmentally appropriate, aesthetic and effective system that would connect with the ends of the existing seawall and ring the city to reduce the flood threat from Galveston Bay. The levee system would include an improved storm water drainage system and additional features that would support other recovery and development projects to make the city a safer place to live and invest.
Summary: Sanitary Sewer Improvements Goal: To protect the health and welfare of the residents by improving the quality, safety, and dependability of the wastewater disposal system.
To provide reliable, safe, healthy, and stable wastewater disposal, including those residents that have individual disposal systems (septic systems). To reduce the possibility of untreated sewage leaving the wastewater treatment plants during storm events.
Summary of project items: Repair/rehabilitate/upgrade the existing wastewater treatment plants. Harden the WWTPs against storm events. Extend the public sanitary sewer system to all incorporated areas of the City. Rehabilitate the sanitary sewer lines along the seawall.
Summary: Galveston-Houston Commuter Rail Forecasts for the Houston-Galveston region indicate rapid growth in population and employment with increasing traffic congestion and travel delays. Limited transportation and infrastructure funding will be available to meet these demands. The GCRC recommends support and continued analysis of commuter rail for the SH 3 corridor from Houston-Galveston. The project provides increased regional connectivity for the general population, options for mass evacuation of residents, positive environmental benefits including decreased vehicle miles traveled and dependence on petroleum products and improved air quality. Rail is one of the most cost-effective, dependable, and efficient forms of transportation, lending support to its sustainability.
Summary: Desalination A 50 Million Gallon Per Day (mgd) Desalination Plant. Texas needs new water supplies to satisfy growing demands by residents, businesses, and industry. A city-owned Desalination Plant would allow Galveston to become a major exporter of potable water, generating a stable income for the Island’s economic recovery. This project would be located at Sholes Field adjacent to the existing water treatment plant. The plant will allow the sale of excess water to upstream users as Houston-area water demands increase. Seawater desalination will require a capital infusion from the state and federal government and regional Agriculture/Municipal/Industrial water users.
Summary: “Take a Seat” project This project would overhaul and rebuild Galveston’s public transit system into a world class public transit network that would connect residents, students, commuters, and tourists from beach to bay, downtown, Pelican Island, Bolivar Ferry Landing, and San Luis Pass. The project would rebuild and expand availability, visibility, and the reliability of public transportation to efficiently transport people throughout the island without needing a car. A reliable, convenient public transit system is critical to rebuilding an Island community that is neighborhood and family friendly, respectful of the environment, attractive and friendly to tourists, and supportive of expanded job and business opportunity.
Summary: Drinking water system improvements project This project is designed to protect the health and welfare of Galveston’s residents by improving the quality and dependability of its potable water service. This would be accomplished by providing additional on-island water storage in elevated storage tanks and ensuring adequate water pressure in the event of catastrophic power failure at pumping stations. This project would also harden the public water system, rehabilitate the existing 30-inch bay crossing water main, construct a new water storage tower/pumping station at Jamaica Beach, and construct a 16-inch water main from 13 Mile Road to Jamaica Beach, as well as upgrade the exiting water towers/pumping stations.
Summary: Ike Dike Recovery Committee Project Summary The Ike Dike recovery committee project is focused on providing a comprehensive regional storm surge protection plan. Protect people, properties, and ecosystems by physically reducing the vulnerability/risk from storm surge events. The plan would provide a lower total cost solution: less than a single Ike-like hurricane recovery or individually armoring the entire bay/beach complex. Project components include a Galveston Island seawall extension/revetment to San Luis Pass (~18 miles) and a Bolivar peninsula seawall from Bolivar Roads to High Island (~35 miles) including wrap-arounds; and floodgates at the Bolivar Roads Ship Channel, San Luis Pass, and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Summary: Smart Streets Smart Streets is designed to refurbish the city’s streetscape to incorporate “Complete Streets” standards (www.completestreets.org) which will improve the safety and well being of Galveston’s many pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular users. The project proposes the creation of
and adoption of new ordinances for streetscape design standards for both new street construction and existing corridor enhancement projects. Example enhancements include street beautification, clear sight lines at all intersections, upgraded lighting and signage, continuance of sidewalks and increased trash and recycling containers. Once established, the “Complete Streets” policies will continue to revitalize and maintain a healthy and vibrant Galveston. Summary: Hardened Utility Program In order to better avoid future disruption of dry utility services from storm or disaster events, this project proposes to establish a utility hardening plan that details minimum standards for dry utility infrastructure, new construction and the implementation of newly available hardware resistant to our climate’s harsh conditions. This program will also facilitate in the creation of newly created building codes pertaining to the residential and business end of electric service meter drops, telephone, cable and internet interfaces. This new code will aid in increased sustainability and resiliency of future development, allowing for speedier recovery of electric service, phone, cable and internet services.
Summary: Stroll and Roll This project would prepare an Island wide pedestrian and bicycle master plan and develop design and construction standards for city pedestrian and bicycle improvements, coordinated with street and utility improvements planned throughout the city. Multiple studies have been conducted that have consistently noted community interest and demand for an improved pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure and safety throughout the city. This project calls for a master plan followed by the implementation of a Seawall pilot project improvement, the implementation of HGAC Pedestrian and Bicyclists Special Districts Study and the implementation of key pedestrian and sidewalk improvements identified in the master plan.
Summary: Storm Water Drainage Master Plan The city has the basis in several existing plans and updates for making improvements to the storm water drainage system. This project calls for the implementation of the measures proposed in these documents in an effort to enhance the drainage system in the city and minimize potential flooding issues. The project specifically calls for the cleaning of existing storm sewer pipes removing sediment deposits to allow the existing system to work as originally designed. This is followed by implementation of the recommendations of the Master Drainage Plan and the TX DOT report that accompanies it.