The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. Texas' unsung hero in the battle for economic independence.

Date

1988

Authors

Tounger, W.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas A&M University Sea Grant College Program.

Abstract

The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway is a resource through which goods smoothly enter domestic and foreign streams of commerce. Chemicals, petroleum products, minerals, and other Texas commodities can reach distant destinations. The waterway brings billions of dollars into the economy each year. Barge transportation is economical, efficient and safe. The waterway also provides recreational opportunities. The waterway poses social, economic, technical, and environmental challenges also. Hindering operation would hurt the economy of Texas. In the near future, the waterway will need to be expanded due to the growing sizes of barges. When this expansion takes place concern will be taken to protect endangered species and to find suitable disposal sites. All this will not be easy or cheap, but by taking care of the problems now we will be safeguarding our future.

Description

Keywords

petroleum, barges, shipping lanes, dredging, dredge spoil, recreation, economics

Citation