$5.1M Beach Restoration Project Underway at Jamaica Beach, Galveston

With a $5.1 million grant from the Texas General Land Office (GLO), Jamaica Beach on Galveston Island is now undergoing a big beach restoration project. Dawn Buckingham, the Texas Land Commissioner, announced the project. It will put 61,000 cubic yards of sand along 3,300 feet of shoreline to protect coastal ecosystems and make the area more resistant to future storms.

The project initially aimed to address damage caused by Hurricane Ike, but it has evolved into a forward-thinking coastal defense initiative. To protect against storm surge and floods, crews will raise the beach five feet above the water and make it 150 feet wide on average.

Commissioner Buckingham, said, "One of my top priorities is to make sure these beautiful beaches are strong and resilient." "This project will protect this important part of the Texas coast from damage from future hurricanes. This will make communities safer and wildlife habitats more secure."

Building started at the western end of Jamaica Beach and is moving eastward. The crew are not working at night, on weekends, or on holidays to avoid disturbing locals and visitors. As soon as a new stretch of beach is finished, it is made available to everyone again. It is expected to be completed by the end of August 2025, just in time for the upcoming storm season.

Most of the money for the project comes from government emergency funds. FEMA and other disaster recovery funds will pay back 90% of the cost. It aligns with the GLO's broader objectives to strengthen the Texas coast by enhancing planning for resilience, conserving wildlife, and safeguarding communities.

With its location next to Galveston Island State Park, Jamaica Beach is popular with both families and people who want to relax. The sand refilling not only keeps property and infrastructure safe, but it also helps keep beaches open for tourists and locals to enjoy, which is essential for the Galveston economy.