Legislature approves nearly $6 million to fill in Rollover Pass

The Texas Legislature approved more than $5 million in the budget to fill in Rollover Pass.

Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson asked legislators to approve $6 million after Hurricane Ike to fill in the cut.

The budget sets aside nearly that amount - $5.85 million.

After Hurricane Ike, the bridge over the man-made cut was severely damaged and the state had to make emergency repairs.

The cut was created in 1955 and became a hot spot for fishermen from across the area and the nation.

But the Corps of Engineers has to pay to dredge the cut every year and it causes erosion to Bolivar Peninsula beaches.

The General Land Office says the work will not begin for 2 years while it performs studies and obtains permits.