Located in Galveston County, Texas, this project focuses on restoring the rapidly eroding beaches along the western end of Galveston Island. The island is a “sand-limited” system, meaning it lacks a natural source of new sand, making it highly vulnerable to erosion and coastal storm impacts.
To address this, the project will use beneficial dredged material from the nearby Galveston Ship Channel — a sustainable solution that supports both coastal resilience and environmental restoration.
Galveston Island is losing 8–12 feet of shoreline every year due to wave action, rising sea levels, and increasingly frequent storms. This erosion:
- Threatens homes and public infrastructure, particularly between 8 Mile Road and 13 Mile Road
- Reduces natural storm protection, increasing risk from hurricanes and tropical storms
- Destroys habitat for local wildlife, including sea turtles and shorebirds
This project proposes to restore 1.7 miles of beach using dredged sediment from the Galveston Entrance Ship Channel, a federal navigation channel. The sediment will be transported by hopper dredge, then pumped via pipeline to the beach area.
Placement will begin at Sunbather Lane and extend westward along the public beach.
Benefits
- Storm Surge Protection: Wider beaches act as natural buffers, reducing flooding during storms.
- Habitat Restoration: Rebuilding the beach helps protect nesting areas for endangered species like sea turtles and supports diverse coastal wildlife.
- Public Use Enhancement: Replenished beaches improve recreational access for residents and visitors.
- Cost Efficiency: Beneficial use of dredged material reduces long-term operation and maintenance (O&M) costs for regional infrastructure.
- Supports Texas Coastal Resilience Goals.
Project Goals
- Restore eroded beaches on the west end of Galveston Island
- Protect residential areas and public infrastructure
- Enhance natural storm defenses
- Promote ecological health and biodiversity
- Utilize sustainable and cost-effective methods
Latest update (08/18/2025): The Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) was completed. Design is finalized, and implementation is now underway as an option within the FY25 Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Bolivar dredging contract. A construction contract has been awarded, with mobilization anticipated in fall 2025. Sand placement is scheduled to begin early October.