AUSTIN — Today Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush released the following statement in support of the Coastal Texas Protection Act filed by U.S. Senator John Cornyn:

"Coastal protection benefits more than just those who call the Texas coast home. Completion of the coastal barrier system will reduce long-term storm surge risks and ensure the continued durability of key infrastructure that contributes to our nation's economy and quality of life.

"I applaud Senator Cornyn's continued leadership on this important issue not just for our state, but the nation. Together we can create a more resilient place for coastal Texans to call home while protecting the economic and national security interests of all Americans."

Senator Cornyn's bill requires the Secretary of the Army to "expedite the completion of feasibility studies for flood damage reduction, hurricane and storm damage reduction, and ecosystem restoration in the coastal areas of Texas that are identified in the interim report due to be published in 2018 that describes the tentatively selected plan developed in accordance with section of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007."

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