GALVESTON -- Residents and property owners are allowed to return to the Bolivar Peninsula on Friday, but they won’t be able to stay. Residents will only be allowed to "look and leave."

AP photo

The bridge at rollover pass between Gilchrist and Caplen, Texas, on Bolivar Peninsula, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008.

The island is still under repair, and as of Monday, much of the peninsula was still without water.

“Finally we have been able to get all the pieces in place to have a re-entry to Bolivar Peninsula,” said Galveston County Judge Jim Yarbrough. 

One of the biggest obstacles has been the damage on the bridge at Rollover Pass between Gilchrist and Caplen. After Hurricane Ike, access to Highway 87 was impossible as much of the asphalt on the bridge had buckled. Yarbrough said that a lot of work had to be completed by TxDOT and the road department to make the bridge accessible for those wanting to return home. 

“We’ve got the road bridge finishing up this afternoon,” said Commissioner Patrick Doyle.  “On Thursday, we will be getting all the PODs (Points of Distribution) all in place; portapots, all the supplies, water, ice all those sort of things.”

Although County officials are working to supply the PODs in time for the Friday re-entry, Doyle advised returning residents and property owners to bring supplies, such as water, ice and mosquito spray, “because we may not have supplied all our PODs by then.”

Residents and property owners will be permitted to drive across the bridge between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day; and will be asked to leave at 4 p.m.  Law enforcement will be present to maintain order and to assure that all persons leave after 4 p.m.

PODs with ice, water, portable toilets will be set up at Crenshaw School and the Faggard Center, as well as at High Island.  People are urged to have tetanus inoculations before returning to the Peninsula, but the Galveston County Health Department will be giving shots at the POD at the High Island School.

Click here for a PDF of the Bolivar Peninsula re-entry form. The form can also be filled out on the peninsula once residents arrive.

 “No one will be turned away,” Doyle said. “We just need proper identification.