BY RACHEL LELAND
The timeline
How it works
A May report raised the projected cost from $4.5 billion to $7 billion, accounting for 20% in unforeseen costs and 30% in permitting fees. At present, however, no funding exists for full construction. Eskew said he hopes the project could secure $3 billion through the Coastal Texas Project, with the remainder potentially supported by the state. “Because the state has committed to providing 35% of funds for the coastal barrier project, they will provide a similar portion for the GBPP,” Eskew said. Critics of this funding structure, including Steinhaus, said the proposed funding structure requires local communities to shoulder the burden of protecting the petrochemical and shipping industries, which should invest more in fortifying their own infrastructure. “Why are we, the general public and our tax dollars, responsible for funding protection for them?” Steinhaus said. “They should be required to fortify their own facilities. … It should not be a burden for people that live in these communities.” Meanwhile, the park is still in its early planning stages. Even if the funding for the project is approved and dispensed, coastal residents and local petrochemical and shipping industries won’t see protection in place until the early 2030s, with completion at least a decade out. The construction schedule also depends on Port Houston’s Project 12, which begins in 2031 and will widen the ship channel, documents show.
Levee construction with dredged material
Parkland & environmental enhancements
Navigation gates
Phase 1
Phase 2
Phase 3
Over time, continued dredging and disposal would allow the creation of between 5,000 and 10,000 acres of parkland along the bay. This new land would serve as a public recreation space and habitat enhancement in addition to helping protect from storm surge. The timeline would be gradual, giving time to monitor ecological impacts, such as oyster migration and bay circulation.
As part of a separate project related to the Houston Ship Channel, the channel would be deepened by removing sediment from the bottom of the bay. The dredged material would be used to build a 25-foot levee along the length of the ship channel. This levee would provide initial surge protection while maintaining openings for water circulation and small boat access.
Smaller gates would be added at circulation and access channels. A large storm surge gate across the Houston Ship Channel would be built in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as part of the Coastal Texas Project. This phase turns the levee into a functioning barrier system against major storm surges.
SOURCE: SSPEED CENTER COMMUNITY IMPACT
What they’re saying
Put in perspective
All told, o cials hope such a project, when paired with the Coastal Texas Project, would cre- ate layered protection for both the Galveston Bay and the surrounding waters, especially Galveston Bay’s western side and the Houston Ship Channel— where most of the area’s petrochemical, re ning and industrial infrastructure is concentrated. O cials estimate that with both projects, storm surge from a Category 4 hurricane could be cut in half across the Clear Lake area, Texas City and the Houston Ship Channel. “What we’re talking about for Galveston Bay, ... we’re talking about the largest engineering project in the world,” Blackburn said.
“The Rice University Galveston Bay Park Plan is certainly ambitious. ... We fully support any project that reduces the impact of storm surge and look forward to learning
more details in the future.” NICK LONG, LEAGUE CITY MAYOR
“Protecting lives, property and economic vitality is our mission, and innovative solutions like this could play an important role in achieving that goal.”
Estimated project timeline for Galveston Bay Park Plan
O cials estimate the coastal projects could reduce storm surge by half in some cases. Potential Category 4 hurricane impact
COALTER BAKER , EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE GULF COAST PROTECTION DISTRICT
2026
2026–2031: Permitting phase expected to take about 5 years, beginning as early as next year 2029–2030: Engineering, initial construction could begin 2031: Port Houston’s Project 12 dredging begins 2037: Full construction build-out projected to be completed
Existing Coastal
Galveston Bay Park Plan
Texas Project
2031
“Frankly, a lot of people don’t know the risk, and I don’t think we talk honestly about these risks, and so I’ve studied those risks, and that’s why I’m working on this project.” JIM BLACKBURN, CO DIRECTOR, SSPEED CENTER
2037
Houston ship channel
Clear Lake
Texas City
SOURCE: SSPEED CENTER COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: SSPEED CENTER COMMUNITY IMPACT
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BAY AREA EDITION
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