January 27, 2003

Galveston Seawall Future Enhancement Ad Hoc Committee
by Jim Guidry

Transportation consultant Barry Goodman told the Galveston Seawall Future Enhancement Ad Hoc Committee that revenue from paid parking on the Seawall could "leverage" federal funds for capital improvements by a ratio at least five to one, and maybe as high as eight to one. 

"If you are generating $500,000 to $700,000 per year, you can support a $50 million improvement project over ten years," Goodman said.

He noted that federal funding, matched by parking revenue is being used effectively downtown.  "It is time that the Seawall got in that stream."

Goodman said Congressman Nick Lampson will meet with Galveston officials on Friday to discuss projects that can be included in the reauthorization of the Transportation Equity Act.

Greg Roof suggested that the city use general fund revenue as matching funds for federal grants, but Mayor Roger Quiroga explained that general fund revenue should be used to support city employee salaries and other municipal purposes.

David Colombo, chair of a previous city committee that explored ways to provide beachfront amenities, explained that his group's efforts were cut short by an election on a proposed charter amendment to force city council to enact a paid parking plan on the Seawall that was authored by former city council member Rudy Gonzales.

He encouraged the new committee to work with residents who live near the Seawall and who would be impacted by a paid parking plan.  "Without their support, we are not going to have a plan."

Council Member Johnny Smecca said the Galveston Chamber of Commerce Seawall parking plan that he helped develop was based on the work of Colombo's committee.

Smecca implied that his intentions have been misinterpreted.

"I do not want paid parking," he insisted.  "I want beachfront improvements."

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