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Freeport element
at a Glance

  • Authority: Section 1401 (3)3, Water Resources Development Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-270)
  • Congressional District: TX-14
  • Non-Federal Sponsor: Velasco Drainage District
  • Project Partnership Agreement: March 16, 2021
  • Target Completion Date: 2026
  • Total Estimated Cost: $537M
  • Location:  The existing Freeport and Vicinity Hurricane Flood Protection Project is located in the coastal plains of southern Brazoria County, about 48 miles southwest of Galveston. The system consists of approximately 43 miles of levees and wave barriers, one vertical lift gate, eight pump stations and multiple gates, and drainage structures.  

Freeport element Brochure UPDATED BROCHURE COMING SOON

 

Contact Information

For public inquiries regarding the Freeport CSRM Project:
E-mail: S2GFreeport@usace.army.mil

For media inquiries:
E-mail: swgpao@usace.army.mil
Phone: 409-766-3004

 Freeport Element

The Freeport element is one of three elements included in the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Project. Freeport and its vicinity features an existing hurricane flood protection system that was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1962 and protects the area fromcoastal storm surge events from the Gulf of Mexico.

The current levee system was designed and constructed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in the 1960s. It serves to reduce the risk of flooding caused by storm surges, as well as riverine flooding from the Brazos River and Oyster Creek, for over 45 square miles of urban, industrial, and residential area within the City of Freeport, Texas and its vicinity.  The system has seen several major storm surges since being constructed by USACE.  The most recent were caused by Hurricane Rita in 2005 and Hurricane Ike in 2008.

The non-federal sponsor for this element is the Velasco Drainage District (VDD).  The Freeport element is cost shared 65/35 between the federal government and the non-federal sponsor respectively.  The 86th Texas Legislature passed SB500 and SB2212 to assist the non-federal sponsors with their non-federal contributions.

Freeport element Map


Element Need

The existing Freeport Hurricane Flood Protection Project (HFPP) is being evaluated for repair and replacement where needed. With the recent developments in technology, USACE is utilizing advanced modelling capabilities to model severe storm combinations to provide an increased level of protection over the next 50 years.

The recommended Freeport element will raise approximately 12 miles of existing levee system, construct approximately 2 miles of floodwall, and install navigable gates in the Dow Barge Canal to reduce storm surge penetration in that area.

Element Status & Schedule

 

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.

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).