Report Released for Jefferson County Ecosystem Restoration Project

The Army Corps’ Galveston District, has received a signed Chief of Engineers Report (Chief’s Report) for the proposed Jefferson County Ecosystem Restoration Project.

According to the Corps, the report outlines the feasibility of providing shore protection and related improvements between Sabine Pass and the entrance to Galveston Bay, Texas, in the interest of protecting and restoring environmental resources on and behind the beach, to include the 77,000 acres of freshwater wetlands and the maritime resources of east Galveston Bay and Rollover Bay.

The report, signed by Lt. Gen. Todd T. Semonite, USACE Commanding General and 54th U.S. Army Chief of Engineers, recommends the plan to support efforts to improve, preserve and sustain ecological resources along the Texas coast.

“This is a major milestone for the proposed Jefferson County Ecosystem Restoration project,” said Col. Timothy Vail, USACE Galveston District commander. “A unique project which brings the best of all efforts together: the repurpose of selected dredge material to enhance local ecosystem restoration; consequently adding to the coastal resiliency effort in Jefferson County.”

The Chief’s Report recommends over 6000 acres of marsh restoration in the proximity of Sabine Neches Waterway (SNWW) and Gulf Intercostal Waterway (GIWW) using selected O&M material from the frequently maintained SNWW; also includes a breakwater structure at the interface with GIWW.

Additional improvements include work on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service property, which depends entirely on the agency’s budget to implement; however, the majority of restoration in adjacent property will be by USACE.

Other improvements include approximately 1 mile of rock breakwater to prevent barge / tug wake impact to the restored areas.