Rebuilding Galveston

There was an article on Yahoo today stating that the mayor of Galveston was in Washington asking for $2.5 Billion to rebuild the city. They are saying that they want to rebuild "Bigger and Better." Part of me wants to see that, but at the same time is that really smart? This is the second time that the city of Galveston has been basically destroyed by a hurricane. Granted, the first time was in 1900, but that hurricane caused the location of the port to be moved from Galveston to Houston. Galveston Island is a barrier island, it's purpose is to protect the mainland. That means that at some point, it's going to take a direct hit again. Is it really smart to spend tax payer money this way?