Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham has announced a $5.1 million beach restoration project for Jamaica Beach on Galveston Island. The Texas General Land Office will add 61,000 cubic yards of sand across 3,300 feet of shoreline.
The project aims to protect coastal communities and wildlife habitats from future hurricane damage. Federal emergency funds are expected to cover 90% of costs.
“As a proud Texan who called Galveston Island home for more than a decade, ensuring these beautiful beaches are strong and resilient is one of my top priorities,” said Buckingham. She emphasized the project would “fortify this essential stretch of the Texas coast against damage from future hurricanes, making communities safer and wildlife habitats more secure.”
Construction crews will build the beach to 5 feet elevation with an average 150-foot width. These specifications should help withstand severe storms.
The work originated as a repair response to Hurricane Ike damage. Still, it’s evolved into a forward-looking resilience effort.
Construction began on the beach’s west end and moves eastward. Crews avoid nights, weekends, and holidays to minimize disruption.
Beach sections reopen as work completes in each area. The entire project should wrap up by late August 2025.
Jamaica Beach sits adjacent to Galveston Island State Park. The area serves both tight-knit residential communities and recreational visitors.
Buckingham made history in 2022 as Texas’ first female Land Commissioner. Her priorities include disaster recovery, energy support, and border security.