AUSTIN — Today Texas General Land Office Commissioner George P. Bush announced the framework for a new Coastal Resiliency Advisory Group. This regional advisory group of 15 members will consist of local government, business and industry leaders serving two-year terms. 

"As Texans, the coast represents a significant component of our shared heritage," said Commissioner Bush. "Its beaches, marshes and islands are a beacon of all that Texas stands for and making sure we build, maintain and protect our coast is one of my top priorities as Commissioner of the General Land Office. As a conservative, I believe decisions are best made with input from those closest to the issue. That's why I want to build a coalition of coastal leaders to offer advice on how to best preserve and protect this vital resource. I value the input from those whose daily life revolves around promoting a vibrant coastal economy and protecting our shared heritage for generations to come."

Three members will be selected from each of the five coastal regions of the Regional Councils of Government (COGs). These regions include the following counties:

Region 15: Hardin, Jefferson and Orange

Region 16: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller, Wharton

Region 17: Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Lavaca, Victoria

Region 20: Aransas, Bee, Brooks, Duval, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleburg, Live Oak, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio

Region 21: Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy

Of the three members from each region, one will be an elected or government official from a county or municipality. The second will be a representative from a coastal conservation or regional planning organization. The third will be a representative from a regional port or member of the coastal business community. The Regional COGs will make one recommendation for each of the three representatives for their respective regions as well as conduct the application process.

Meetings of the Coastal Resiliency Advisory Group will be held quarterly at a location in a different coastal region on a rotating basis. The group will review and evaluate the effect of state policies and programs and make recommendations to the Commissioner on matters relating to coastal resiliency and recovery. The group will also recommend policies to the Commissioner for the use, allocation, or distribution of funds that include identification of statewide priorities and issues relating to applications for financial assistance. The group will consider issues such as evaluation criteria for providing financial assistance and recommend to the Commissioner special studies and projects to further the effectiveness of coastal resiliency and recovery.

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