The end of the San Bernard River - Looks like a Sand Source to Me

 

Progress toward opening the mouth of the San Bernard continues to be made. After Roy spoke to the Board of Directors of the Brazoria County Economic Development Alliance Monday, June 12, 2006, David Stedman, CEO of The Alliance, sent out the following e-mail and Resolution template. Mr. Stedman has graciously allowed us to reprint that communication on this site to update all who are interested.

 

F.O.R. San Bernard should expect several Resolutions of support from various local governments and entities resulting from our presentation and The Alliance’s template. As Roy and I get copies of the signed Resolutions (which are also being forwarded to Commissioner Dude Payne and Washington, D.C.), we will post them on this site.

 

Below is Mr. Stedman’s e-mail and Resolution template:

 

The Karankawa Indians called it "The Singing River", because of the sound the wind made as it blew over the oyster reefs.  But if action isn't taken soon, the river we now call the San Bernard will soon be singing its death song.

 

Unless funds can be found for dredging the mouth of the San Bernard, all business along the river will cease, property values will plummet, and the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway (GIWW) will become a dangerous navigational hazard.  The economic impact of barge traffic disruption, coupled with the other consequences, will have a disastrous effect on the economy of Southern Brazoria County.  We will also loose a precious natural resource, damage the delicate ecosystem of the area and destroy the quality of life along the river.  The sand from the dredging could be used to rebuild the eroding beaches of Surfside, Bryan and Quintana, among others.

 

Please review the attached sample resolution of support for dredging the mouth of the San Bernard and help us in this most worthy cause.  With your help we can have the San Bernard singing a new tune and restore life to the area. 

 

Please send copies of your letters and/or resolutions of support to us for further distribution.

 

Sincerely yours,

 

David

 

David Stedman, CEO

Economic Development Alliance for Brazoria County

201 E. Myrtle, Angleton, Texas 77515

979-848-0560 Office

979-864-0860 Cell

http://www.eda-bc.com

info@eda-bc.com

 

 

 

_______________________________________

 

Resolution

Supporting the dredging of the Mouth of the San Bernard River

 

 

 

WHEREAS, the San Bernard River runs for approximately 120 miles through Texas, winding through Brazoria County and ending at the Gulf of Mexico; and

 

WHEREAS, the San Bernard River is an economical viability for ConocoPhillips using this river to transport goods via barges as well as a recreational area enjoyed by our many Brazoria County residents and tourists for boating and fishing; and

 

WHEREAS, studies completed by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers have determined that the mouth of the San Bernard River has moved an average of 1.5 feet per day since 1989.  Today, the mouth is approximately 2.3 miles southwest of the original mouth; and

 

WHEREAS, the goal of these studies is to maintain flow through the San Bernard River so that the current at the intersection of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) and the San Bernard River poses minimal hazards; and

 

WHEREAS, studies also determined the closure of the original mouth of the San Bernard River is having some serious negative impacts on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) and its safe, efficient operation by causing increased currents at the Brazos Floodgates at levels that hinder tow passage through the narrow floodgate structure; and

 

WHEREAS, because of these increased risks and the number of accidents caused from this, the Gulf Intracoastal Canal Association is in full support of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers opening the San Bernard River original outlet to the Gulf of Mexico.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, ____________________________________ hereby approves this resolution to join with our Federal, State and County Officials in supporting the efforts and to seek funding to open the mouth of the San Bernard River.

 

IN WITNESS THEREOF, we set our hands this _____ day of _____________ 2006.

 

 

                                                ________________________________________________

                                                (Signature)

                                                (Organization)                                                                          

 

ATTEST:

 

___________________________________

Signature

 

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Printed Name