In a significant step to protect the shoreline of Jamaica Beach on Galveston Island, the Texas General Land Office (GLO) is undertaking a major coastal erosion project. This project, which involves adding 61,000 cubic yards of new sand, is designed to help prevent further erosion and fortify the beach against the impact of future hurricanes.
Details of the Project
The Jamaica Beach Coastal Erosion Planning and Response Act project, announced by Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, aims to raise the beach’s elevation by 5 feet and expand its width to an average of 150 feet from the shoreline. The project will span 3,300 linear feet of beach along the west side of Galveston Island and is expected to be completed by August.
The sand being added will help reinforce the beach, providing a stronger buffer against erosion, particularly during hurricane season. This is essential to protecting not only the natural habitat but also the local community, ensuring that the area remains resilient in the face of future storms.
Funding and Collaboration
The total cost of the project is projected at $5.1 million, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) set to reimburse 90% of the cost. This funding arrangement follows a proposal to repair the area after the significant damage caused by Hurricane Ike in 2008.
Dawn Buckingham, a Texas native who once called Galveston Island home, emphasized the importance of ensuring the resilience of these beaches for both human safety and wildlife protection.
Current Progress and Timeline
Construction has already begun on the west end of Jamaica Beach, with plans to extend eastward as the project progresses. The work will raise the beach to an elevation of 5 feet and broaden its width, which is expected to make it more resilient to erosion and better able to absorb the impact of future hurricanes.
This project is a crucial investment in the long-term protection of Jamaica Beach and the surrounding area. It reflects the state’s commitment to preserving the Texas coastline and ensuring that its communities and ecosystems are safeguarded against the increasing threats of coastal erosion and extreme weather events.
With the project slated for completion by August, the beach will be better prepared to face future challenges, helping to ensure the safety of both residents and wildlife.
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