Save Our Beach

 From Commissioner Mike Estlinbaum -  Please keep in mind that this office doesn't sit on information that could be put out on timelines regarding all the projects coming to Sargent. We pass along information and/or updates as soon as we receive them. Furthermore, there isn't anything related to any of these projects sitting on my desk that could cause any delays. I turn around anything needed from this office or the county immediately. Unfortunately, we don't have any control how long things sit on a desk at agencies this office doesn't have any control over. All I can do is follow up regularly and ask if anything is needed from me. Having said that, I got an update on the breakwater project and a new timeline. Unfortunately the timeline has been delayed once again. This time only a couple of months. The new timeline is as follows: Advertise [go our for bid] 6/20/2025 Bid Opening 7/21/2025 Award* 8/29/2025 Issue Notice to Proceed 9/26/2025 Estimated Construction Comple...

 Interesting - the Army Corps is now in charge of the Sargent Breakwater project and they are seeking information about our project as well as dredging the Colorado River mouth.  It seems like they might be combining the two projects.  This is not a bid - but rather a “sources sought” to get information so they can create the bid. The skeptics amongst us might say - “so this means they have no idea what they are doing?!?!?” And you might be partially right.  It is a complex project but - those of us half glass full types will be happy that at least they are doing something.  Something is better than nothing - right?  Note - it says building 4 of the 5 breakwaters so it looks like they are cutting one breakwater from the project to get it back to the original budget. The longer they wait the more it costs https://sam.gov/opp/5195061ef69148499778b8815115b1e0/view SOURCES   SOUGHT   SYNOPSIS   TITLE:  Mouth of Colorado Maintenance Dredging ...

Below is the press release put out by Matagorda County today. Judge Sieferman and I had a meeting with the USACOE last week and they are not doing anything with the road. They made it clear once again that they don't care about the road or anyone that needs it. They care about one thing only and that is keeping the ICWW open for commercial traffic. Judging by the fact that the erosion is now to the road and the revetment wall is being overtopped regularly, the ICWW will be part of the Gulf of Mexico soon. This is due to decades of inaction. But I'm not an engineer, just someone that has been watching it erode 30' per year for the last 40 years.  This office has already taken steps to be ready with funding if the breakwater and replentishment projects ever happen to protect a rebuilt road. I got an estimate today that it will take ~$1.5 million to rebuild the mile of road. I already had an estimate for ~$200K to rebuild the pavillions and picnic table covers and the Port of ...

 https://www.swg.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/3957269/usace-closes-sargent-beach-for-public-safety/ GALVESTON, Texas -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Galveston District (SWG) and Matagorda County Officials have indefinitely closed a section of federally owned property, known as Sargent Beach (West Mooring Dock Park and the Sargent Public Boat Ramp). The designated areas of the boat ramp, mooring dock, and access road (referred to as County Road 238 or West Revetment Road) along the Gulf of Mexico are now closed due to safety concerns stemming from significant erosion and compromised infrastructure caused by recent storms. The decision aligns with USACE’s mission requirements, public safety, and a shared stakeholder commitment to protect beach visitors, reduce risks, and ensure environmentally sustainable practices while potential solutions to reopening access are examined. “Our shared responsibility to protect life and safety while ensuring the Gulf Intraco...

There have been multiple articles about the same study on the beach destruction by Beryl.  The study was funded by NOAA and done by UofH.   The study, funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Texas General Land Office, highlights the changes observed at Galveston, Follett's Island, Matagorda, Mustang Island, North Padre Island and Sargent Island, close to where Beryl made landfall. “Sargent Island experienced the most significant impact and is unrecognizable,” Khan said. “The flooding, overwash and scarping caused by Beryl wiped out nearly all the dunes and left the area virtually inaccessible. The findings parallel a previous study by Khan’s team on the coastal impacts of Hurricane Harvey in 2017 that revealed similar but more significant changes. “After Harvey, we found an average shoreline retreat of just over 16 meters, with certain areas near the landfall site in Rockport seeing nearly 60 meters of erosion,” Khan said. “Those values far e...

There was a meeting on the Sargent Breakwater project - it was underwhelming according to those that attended.  Hello Dave Saba, this is Pat Jarrett. Attended the session at the park this morning with county commissioner, GLO & USACOE. Basically it was useless. 1) USACOE is reviewing what the GLO turned over to them. May or may not tweak it. Still in review stage. 2) June/July 2025 May be ready to send out for bids.  3) Will move approx. 900,000 cubic yards of sand from Matagorda area to Sargent after Breakwater/Groin installed. Funds are in place for that according to the individual that handles dredge operations for the USACOE. The only person that I thought was helpful was the guy (named Seth) from the USACOE and the only one that spoke really. Very compartmentalized, so he was limited on giving out info. Only other person from the CORPS that said anything ( as I asked a question asking if the county/Corps has a new lease signed... Was the real estate gentleman. No new ...