by Chuck Heare

 

Judge Jeff Branick addressed coastal restoration in Jefferson County at our meeting on Wednesday.  He grew up in Jefferson County and spent many formative years out in the marsh country.  When he became Judge, he realized how important the marshes are to Jefferson County as a buffering zone for storms that make landfall in our area.  While the ribbon of beach and marshes have existed for millennia, they have recently been severely threatened by two hurricanes, Rita and Ike.  Had they not been present during these storms, particularly Ike, the damage to our area would have been much more severe. 

 

Searching for options, Judge Branick became aware of 14 partners already collaborating since 2000 to save our coast.  Their Salt Bayou Watershed Restoration Plan revealed four restorative measures that need to be taken.  Two of those have already been completed through grants and cooperation among various state and federal natural resource agencies.  The first was a baffle restricting salt water in Keith Lake fish pass.  Next, a 17-mile beach berm was recently built by the Texas General Land Office to prevent salt water overwash from smaller storms.  A third step involves installing two siphons to transport fresh water from north of the Intracoastal Waterway into the Salt Bayou watershed restoring hydrologic flows that push salt water out of the marsh system.  The siphons have funding and permitting in sight.

 

The final phase involves dredging and pumping offshore sand to rebuild the dunes and beaches in or adjacent to McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge.  The cost for this final stage is estimated to be $45 million, and about half of that cost may be covered from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill fines paid by BP.  He is optimistic that this project will be completed because of the strategic importance of the petroleum refining industry in Jefferson County to the US.  Benefits from the work completed have already been realized.  Erosion from wave action has been slowed or stopped, the marsh is beginning to grow more vegetation, and wildlife, not seen for years in the marsh and dune areas, has begun to reappear.  

 

Our county is having a difficult budget year because of reduced tax receipts from lower oil prices and increased employee benefit expenses.  That's the bad news.  The good news is the county refinanced the Ford Park debt several years ago saving $11 million in interest.