Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a historic Category 5 storm, packing 185-mph winds and leaving behind catastrophic damage. It was the strongest hurricane ever to strike the island, claiming at least 19 lives and displacing thousands. The storm’s slow movement brought rainfall levels comparable to Hurricane Harvey, raising serious concerns about the vulnerability of the U.S. Gulf Coast to similar devastation.
If a storm of Melissa’s magnitude were to hit the Port Houston, the consequences would be staggering. The region is home to critical national infrastructure: 80% of the nation’s military-grade fuel, 30% of its gasoline, and a quarter of the strategic petroleum reserve are located along this stretch of coast. The Houston Ship Channel region generates nearly $1 trillion in economic activity and supports 3.4 million jobs.
Despite this, the storm protection systems along the Gulf Coast have not seen major upgrades in decades. The need for a modern, resilient solution is urgent. That’s why the State of Texas has already committed nearly $1 billion to the Coastal Texas Project—a bold initiative designed to safeguard both communities and national assets.
At the heart of this effort is “The Gate,” a centerpiece of the $35 billion Coastal Texas Project and the largest undertaking in the history of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This mega infrastructure project is designed to withstand the kind of storm surge and flooding that could cripple the energy and shipping sectors, disrupt supply chains, and endanger lives.
The recent devastation in Jamaica is a stark reminder of what’s at stake. We must act now to protect our coastlines, our economy, and the millions of Americans who live and work in these vulnerable areas. The Gate Can’t Wait.
Energy security is national security. Let’s build the future of coastal resilience—before the next Hurricane Melissa strikes.
How You Can Help!
Make sure The White House, President Trump, and your federal elected officials know how important this is to you and to our nation. Significant federal funding is needed to progress this project in any meaningful way.
