WRDA Signing Allows Implementation of Corps Coastal Texas Program

President Biden signed the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 into law on December 23, which includes authorization of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Coastal Texas Program. This legislative action officially authorizes Corps to begin implementation activities for its large-scale coastal storm risk management and ecosystem restoration program, pending appropriation of funding.

After Hurricane Ike devastated the upper Texas coast in 2008, Corps and its non-federal sponsor, the Texas General Land Office (GLO), embarked on the Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Feasibility Study. This six-year, $20 million comprehensive study sought to reduce risks to public health and the economy, restore critical ecosystems, and advance coastal resiliency.

These efforts culminated in Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon, Corps commanding general, signing the Chief’s Report on September 16, 2021, representing the largest single investment recommendation to Congress in USACE history. The Galveston District (SWG), along with its non-federal partners the Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD) and the GLO, will lead the delivery of the approximately $34 billion—in today’s dollars—program through design, construction, and subsequent operation.