AUSTIN, Texas -- State and federal officials are recommending a barrier system to protect the Texas coast from hurricanes.

The proposed system has floodwalls, floodgates and seawall improvements which could cost more than $30 billion.

The system focuses on preventing storm surge from entering Galveston Bay, home to the country's largest petrochemical complex. The plan incorporates ideas previously developed in the wake of Hurricane Ike in 2008.

If Congress approves the proposal, it could take more than 20 years to complete.