Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick says he will support Elon Musk if the billionaire can deliver on his promise to help protect Houston from future flooding.
Musk is pitching a $760 million tunnel system under Houston, built through The Boring Company, which he founded in 2016, according to ProPublica. The project has already gained the backing of Houston-area Rep. Wesley Hunt.
Musk’s $760 Million Flood Plan
ProPublica reports that while the project will cost $760 million, The Boring Company would also receive 15% of the cost upfront from state and local funds. If successful, Musk and Hunt could see major financial gains.
Hurricane Harvey devastated Greater Houston and Southeast Texas in 2017, causing $125 billion in damages and leading to hundreds of deaths. Since then, many flood experts and researchers have called for a massive tunnel system across Harris County. Musk wants his company to play a role in building it.
Why It Matters to Musk
So far, The Boring Company has struggled to complete major projects in Texas and has faced criticism for its work in other states. With Houston’s tunnel system, Musk hopes to make his company a central player in U.S. infrastructure while also expanding his influence in Texas, which holds 40 electoral votes, according to Newsweek…