Geologists Warn Major Development Project Could Endanger Galveston

"Galveston officials and the developer maintain that the plans are sound for the largest development in city history...Critics of the plans say that Galveston's officials are ignoring the lessons of science and history in their pursuit of new tax money...geologists who conducted the study cautioned against building along beaches that are likely to be erased by erosion within 20 years. They warned that artificial lakes and boat channels could help surging waters pierce the island during a major hurricane, possibly even splitting it in two. And above all, they recommended that the city preserve a low-lying ridge hundreds of feet inland, saying that although the rise may look meaningless to untrained eyes, it has helped the island withstand centuries of storms."