Galveston District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Begins Assessing Damage on Texas Coast

FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 24, 2005--The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District will begin assessing damage on the Texas coast today, said Col. Steve Haustein, District Engineer and Commander.

A flyover with the U.S. Coast Guard to pinpoint debris and possible navigational hazards will occur this afternoon. "This will help us direct crews where to go to begin the side-scan surveying," said Joe Hrametz, Chief of Navigation, Galveston District.

“After the land fall of Hurricane Rita, it is extremely important that we contact our employees to ensure they are safe”

The district will then start to survey federal channels for obstructions to navigation and shoaling in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard, port authorities and industry starting as early as tomorrow morning. Such navigational channels and various waterways include the Houston Ship Channel, Gulf Intracoastal Waterway between Port O'Connor and the Louisiana border, Texas City Ship Channel, Sabine/Neches Ship Channel (Ports of Port Arthur, Beaumont and Orange), Galveston Ship Channel, Corpus Christi Ship Channel, Freeport Ship Channel, and Matagorda Ship Channel.

"Along with six Corps survey boats, NOAA will be providing three vessels, one from Kirby Inland Marine and three contract, to help assist in this massive surveying job," said Mike Kieslich, Chief of Operations Division, Galveston District.

Inspection of coastal levee systems and the Galveston Seawall for storm damage and integrity will also be done.

The Galveston District will be supporting the Corps' Fort Worth District FEMA mission by carrying out the following mission assignments; providing water, power, debris removal, ice, temporary housing, temporary roofing, and logistical support.

"After the land fall of Hurricane Rita, it is extremely important that we contact our employees to ensure they are safe," said Col. Haustein.

Employees are directed to stay in place at their current locations and remain in contact until an assessment of the SWG facilities can be made today. Employees can contact the District EOC 281-752-2630 or 1-888-766-3258 to check in.

Editor's Note: NOAA is National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration