FREEPORT, Texas -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Galveston District (SWG) has officially suspended work on the Freeport and Vicinity element of the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Project, effective as of March 11, 2025.
Velasco Drainage District (VDD) requested to withdraw from the project, citing environmental, industrial, and economic risks, as well as increased costs. After several months of discussions, deliberation, and due diligence, the USACE is suspending the project.
The Freeport and Vicinity Element (FPV), led by USACE in partnership with the VDD as the non-federal partner, is one of three elements of the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management (S2G) Project, and is authorized to improve the existing hurricane flood protection system in the Freeport area. These improvements were planned to reduce the risk of flooding from coastal storm surge within the Freeport area.
The existing levee system in the Freeport area was designed and constructed by USACE in the 1960s and is maintained and operated by VDD. The existing levee system is important to reducing flood risks that occur due to storm surges and river inundation from the Brazos River and Oyster Creek, serving 45 square miles of urban, industrial, and residential areas in Freeport and its surrounding area. These levees serve as a crucial safeguard for local communities.
“We look forward to our continued partnership with the Velasco Drainage District in addressing the community’s future needs,” said USACE Galveston District Commander Col. Rhett Blackmon.
The USACE reaffirms its commitment and dedication to completing the other two elements of the S2G Project in Port Arthur and Orange County in coordination with their respective non-federal partners (Jefferson County Drainage District No. 7 and the Gulf Coast Protection District).
For more news and information, visit our website at www.swg.usace.army.mil, or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GalvestonDistrict or on X formerly known as Twitter @USACEGALVESTON.
Release no. 25-002