Pelican Island To Get 2 New Bridges

GALVESTON, Texas (AP) — Galveston County has approved an agreement with Galveston for construction of two new bridges to Pelican Island.

The Galveston County Daily News (http://bit.ly/1STHMu8 ) reported Monday that commissioners accepted a deal to use city property as a starting point for the rail and road bridges.

The existing two-lane drawbridge for Pelican Island, which is home to Texas A&M University-Galveston, was built in 1957.

Commissioner Ryan Dennard (duh-NARD') says the next step is reaching an agreement with the Port of Houston to use its property on Pelican Island for bridge landing points.

Galveston County in 2013 estimated a new four-lane vehicular bridge could cost up to $30 million.

County commissioners approved the deal last week. County staffers will spend the next two years on planning, engineering and environmental studies for the bridges.