Posted on April 1, 2026
HOUSTON, TX — At the request of Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD), the Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas (IDRT) at Texas A&M University at Galveston is establishing the Coastal Texas Research Council to serve as a scientific and technical hub for the historic Coastal Texas Project. The Council will unite leading experts from Texas A&M University, Rice University, and Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.
Charged with serving as a science and technology partner in support of the Coastal Texas Project, the Council will evaluate proposed research investments, conduct independent studies on pivotal engineering, environmental and societal challenges, and deliver expert input to inform critical project decisions for two elements of the Coastal Texas Project—Galveston Bay Barrier System, also known locally as “Ike Dike,” and Galveston Bay Shoreline and Island Protection.
The Council’s work will be essential to ensuring Texas advances a nationally significant coastal barrier system that protects local communities while strengthening disaster resilience for the state and the nation.
“We’ve brought together the best minds from across Texas and the Netherlands to ensure this once-in-a-generation project is based on strong science, innovative engineering, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. The collaboration we’re forming today can reduce timelines and costs while delivering smarter, more efficient solutions that build lasting resilience along the Gulf Coast,” said Coalter Baker, Executive Director, Gulf Coast Protection District.
GCPD Board of Directors approved a Master Service Agreement with Texas A&M University on March 20, 2026 that enables GCPD to fund relevant and creditable research conducted by the Council over the next five years, a payment of $303,134 for the first year, and the establishment of an executive committee to oversee the Council consisting of a leader from each participating university, GCPD, Texas General Land Office (GLO), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
Per the agreement, other academic and governmental organizations may be added to the Council in the future, including University of Houston, Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi, Prairie View A&M University, Texas State University, Rijswaterstaat (Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands), and the International Network for Storm Surge Barriers (I-STORM).
“For more than 15 years, institutions from Texas and the Netherlands have worked together to advance a shared vision for coastal protection. Building on this strong partnership and with GCPD’s leadership, the Council provides independent, science-driven expertise to support critical initiatives that will create a more resilient Texas. We are proud to serve communities in this effort to strengthen the state’s safety and prosperity,” said Dr. Sam Brody, Director, Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas, Texas A&M University at Galveston.
Research conducted by the Council will be done concurrently with the engineering and design activities already underway for the Galveston Bay Barrier System—the largest element of the broader Coastal Texas Project, accounting for 85 percent of the $35 billion authorized cost. The Gate, a historic federal initiative that will serve as the largest flood gate system in the world, and the Beaches and Dunes features are the first two components of the Galveston Bay Barrier System to move into design.
“As Texas Land Commissioner, I am tasked with overseeing 13 million acres of stand land including 3,400 miles of coastline and tidelands that extend over 10 miles into the Gulf of America. A more resilient Texas coast ensures our people, economy, wildlife, and their habitats are safeguarded from catastrophic storms,” said Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D. “I applaud the formation of the Coastal Texas Research Council, which will deliver results for our state by conducting expert analysis on crucial engineering ideas and elements of the Coastal Texas Project.”
For more information, visit www.gcpdtexas.com
About Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD)
The Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD) was established by the 87th Texas Legislature in 2021 to lead a unified and comprehensive coastal resilience strategy for the upper Texas coast. As the non-Federal sponsor for major elements of the Coastal Texas Project and the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Project, GCPD plays a pivotal role in delivering large-scale storm surge protection and coastal restoration. Responsible for safeguarding approximately 5,220 square miles across five counties, GCPD is at the forefront of advancing the largest coastal protection initiative in U.S. history. To learn more, visit www.gcpdtexas.com.
