Posted on July 21, 2025
Texas will begin pumping sand onto eroding West Galveston beaches in September, part of a joint federal-state project to restore nearly two miles of coastline.
The beach nourishment effort, announced by Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, will use dredged material from the Galveston Ship Channel to rebuild beaches between Sunbather Lane and 11-Mile Road.
The project addresses severe erosion threatening homes and infrastructure on Galveston’s west end. The area loses approximately seven feet of beach annually, according to city officials.
“Galveston Island was my home for more than a decade, and safeguarding its beautiful beaches for the enjoyment of Texans and the preservation of our unique wildlife is a mission close to my heart,” said Buckingham. “Through our partnership with the City of Galveston and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the GLO will help dramatically reduce the erosion rate at West Galveston Beach, which threatens the beach’s recreational opportunities, wildlife habitats, and storm resilience.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will oversee the construction through a contractor, Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company. The project falls under the Corps’ Continuing Authorities Program Section 204.
Rather than disposing of sand dredged from shipping channels, the material will be used to rebuild eroded shorelines. This “beneficial use” approach saves money while protecting coastal communities, officials said.
“With erosion rates approaching seven feet per year on the west end, this project is essential to protecting our shoreline, homes, and infrastructure,” City Manager Brian Maxwell said. “By partnering with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Texas General Land Office, and the Park Board, we’re turning what would have been discarded dredge material into a meaningful investment in our future.”
Galveston requested federal assistance in June 2025 after recognizing the urgent erosion threat. A feasibility study examined alternatives and environmental impacts before approving the restoration plan.
“These ‘beneficial use’ beach nourishment projects are environmentally and economically responsible ways to use the dredged material from our routine maintenance to benefit local communities,” said Carlos Gomez, public affairs chief for the Corps’ Galveston District. “They also improve eroded coastlines by adding more buffer zones to protect our coastal communities against severe storms.”
The restored beaches will provide storm protection while preserving recreational areas and wildlife habitat. Construction timeline and costs were not disclosed in Tuesday’s announcement.
