The Galveston Bay Plan

Since the Galveston Bay Estuary Program (GBEP) belongs to a network of National Estuary Programs (NEPs), we partake in the development of a consensus-based Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP).  This CCMP — for us The Galveston Bay Plan (The Plan) — guides the conservation and restoration of the estuary.  Based on scientific research (see State of the Bay), The Plan is designed to protect and restore our Galveston Bay.  It identifies problems, solutions and actions to rectify the Bay’s growing needs.

“The Plan prescribes custom-tailored management initiatives to solve […] problems utilizing a comprehensive, ecosystem-based approach” (The Galveston Bay Plan, 1994, pp.2-3).

In the spring of 1995, The Plan was approved by the Governor of Texas and the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Upon The Plan’s approval, the Estuary Program shifted from a federal operation to a state run program. The Plan identifies TCEQ — the state agency responsible for management of federal Water Quality Act programs — as the lead administrator of the GBEP.*  The Plan is to be implemented by the State and other stakeholders over a 20-year period.

For more on The Galveston Bay Plan and a copy, click here.

* Since base funding was not secured in 1995, the GBEP was jointly administered by Texas General Land Office (GLO) and TCEQ from 1996-1998.  Subsequently, in 1999 the Texas Legislature passed the Texas Estuaries Act (SB 708), which also identifies the TCEQ as the lead administrator.