Texas Land Commissioner Announces Completion of West Galveston Beach Nourishment Project

The $10 million project restored over 5,300 feet of shoreline to protect homes and infrastructure.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Texas Land Commissioner and Veterans Land Board Chairwoman Dawn Buckingham, M.D. announced the completion of the Continuing Authorities Program Section 204 (CAP 204) West Galveston Beach Nourishment Project. The $10 million project, done in partnership with the City of Galveston and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, placed 378,268 cubic yards of beach-quality sand along 5,300 linear feet of West Galveston Beach to help protect homes and surrounding infrastructure from erosion and storm damage.

Why it matters

The West Galveston Beach Nourishment Project is part of the state's ongoing efforts to fortify the Texas coast and protect coastal communities from the impacts of tropical storms and hurricanes. The project will help safeguard homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure along the island's west end, which has experienced significant erosion in recent years.

The details

The beach nourishment project began in late 2025 after the City of Galveston requested assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to address the urgent erosion issues on the island's west end. A feasibility study determined the overall cost and scope of the project, as well as federal interest. The project utilized dredge material from the Galveston Ship Channel to rebuild the shoreline and protect surrounding wildlife habitats.

  • In June 2025, the City of Galveston formally requested assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
  • The project began in late 2025 and was completed in January 2026.

The players

Dawn Buckingham, M.D.

Texas Land Commissioner and Veterans Land Board Chairwoman, who oversaw the beach nourishment project.

City of Galveston

Partnered with the Texas General Land Office and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the beach nourishment project.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Worked with the Texas General Land Office and City of Galveston on the beach nourishment project.

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What they’re saying

“As a proud Texan who called Galveston Island home for more than a decade, ensuring West Galveston beach continues to thrive and is safeguarded from storms will always be a top priority.”

— Dawn Buckingham, M.D., Texas Land Commissioner and Veterans Land Board Chairwoman (gilmermirror.com)

“The City of Galveston is grateful for the working relationship we have with the Texas General Land Office and Commissioner Buckingham. We look forward to many more projects such as this to improve our beaches for both our residents and all Texans.”

— Byron Maxwell, Galveston City Manager (gilmermirror.com)

What’s next

The Texas General Land Office and City of Galveston will continue to monitor the restored beach and work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on future coastal protection projects.

The takeaway

This beach nourishment project is a critical step in the state's ongoing efforts to safeguard the Texas coast and protect coastal communities from the impacts of severe weather. By working collaboratively with local and federal partners, the state is able to leverage resources and expertise to build resilient shorelines that can withstand the effects of erosion and storms.