Chief’s Report Signed For Coastal Texas Study

Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commanding general and chief of engineers, signed the Chief’s Report for the Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Study on September 16.

The Coastal Texas Study is a six-year, $20.63 million comprehensive study led by the Corps in partnership with its non-federal cost-share sponsor, the Texas General Land Office (see WJ, September 20). The purpose of the study was to identify feasible projects that reduce risks to public health and the economy, restore critical ecosystems and advance coastal resiliency.

The results of the engineering, economic and environmental examinations have resulted in a final recommended plan that consists of multiple coastal storm risk management and ecosystem restoration features that together form a resilient Texas coast.

 “This is one of the largest projects in the history of the Corps of Engineers,” said Galveston District Commander Col. Tim Vail. “More than 300 individuals from across 11 USACE districts and two USACE Labs—including the best scientists and engineers—worked with four contracting firms, 12 different colleges and universities, multiple community working groups and experts from countries around the world to build the framework for this project. The signing of the Chief’s Report is the culmination of their hard work and dedication.”

The signing of the report progresses the project to Congress for authorization and funding.

The signed report can be found on the Galveston Engineer District website at: https://www.swg.usace.army.mil/Portals/26/Coastal%20Texas%20Signed%20Chiefs%20Report_16Sep2021.pdf.

For more information about the Coastal Texas Study, go to the study’s website at: https://coastalstudy.texas.gov/.