[2] Although the Seawall performed as intended, it created an unintended and insurmountable consequence: passive erosion resulting in the gradual disappearance of the once-wide beach and the resort business with it.

Reporting in the aftermath of the 1983 Hurricane Alicia, the Corps of Engineers estimated that $100 million in damage was avoided because of the seawall.

[5] As a result, a commission was established by the Texas governor to investigate preparing for and mitigating future disasters.

[6] A proposal has been put forth to build an "Ike Dike", a massive levee system that would protect the Galveston Bay and the important industrial facilities that line the coast and the Houston Ship Channel from a future, potentially more destructive storm.

These proposals include a surge gate at the mouth of the Houston Ship Channel connecting adjacent high ground near the Fred Hartman Bridge and hard protections for the west shore of Galveston Bay and around the densely developed east end of Galveston Island.