Former Harris County Judge Robert Eckels, who is chair of Governor Rick Perry’s Hurricane Ike Recovery and Coordination effort, said that he is not discouraged by Harris County Commissioners Court’s delay in approval of a resolution to support a feasibility study of storm surge protection projects, such as the proposed Ike Dike. Listen: RealPlayer MP3

“All of the commissioners and the judge, I think, are enthusiastic about completing the study,” Eckels said. “They are a little concerned about the process. They want to make sure the county isn’t on the hook for additional funds or some long term obligation, until the study is completed.”

Five other coastal counties, Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, Jefferson and Orange counties, have previously approved resolutions in supporting the study. Only Harris County has not.

“The timing is working o.k.,” Eckels said. “The federal HUD offices that will approve the CDBG funds has held up the state plan. They are still working on getting that approved.  So we are not under a short term fuse to get some funding down here.”

Eckels said he expects Harris County Commissioners Court to join the project soon.