Representative Terri Leo Wilson has withdrawn House Bill 2944, which sought to designate State Highway 87 as a hurricane evacuation route. The bill was initially set for a hearing on March 27th before the House Transportation Committee. However, after discussions with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), it was decided that legislative action would not be necessary.

Rep. Leo Wilson said, "Ensuring the safety of residents on the Bolivar Peninsula has always been my priority." She expressed gratitude to Chairman Tom Craddick for facilitating dialogue with TxDOT, leading to a commitment from the agency to expedite the designation and signage of SH 87 as an evacuation route.

TxDOT officials have shown support for this decision and confirmed their dedication to implementing necessary measures promptly. Thomas Albritton, TxDOT Houston District Engineer, noted in his response to Rep. Leo Wilson that "SH 87 from Crystal Beach to SH 124 will be a designated hurricane evacuation route moving forward."

House Bill 2944 aimed at recognizing SH 87 as a critical evacuation path to enhance storm readiness and provide peace of mind for coastal residents and tourists. Representative Leo Wilson continues her advocacy for community resilience and safety in her district.

Information from this article can be found here.