Final feasibility report and environmental impact statement. Galveston Bay area navigation study. Volume 2: Appendices A - problem identification and B - plan formulation.

Galveston Bay, the largest inland bay on the Texas coast, provides access to the principal ports of Houston, Texas City, and Galveston. This comprehensive navigation study investigates the feasibility of improving the Houston Ship Channel (HSC) and its ancillary channels (Bayport, Barbours Cut, Carpenters Bayou, and Greens Bayou) and the Galveston Channel. This appendix describes the existing conditions, future conditions if no improvements are made, and concludes with an identification of the specific problems and planning objectives to be addressed in the study. This feasibility study follows the recommendations presented in the Reconnaissance Report. It includes detailed analyses of a range of improvements and their effectiveness at improving navigation efficiency and safety by: allowing the use of larger, more efficient vessels; and reducing delays and vessel casualties. It also includes detailed assessments of their environmental, social, and regional economic effects. Resaults of the study will form the basis for a decision on project emplementation, including pre-construction design studies.