A major federal contract award has been announced for Navigation and Coastal Protection that will dredge the mouth of the Colorado River and deliver sand from that dredging to Sargent Beach for its breakwater project.
Matagorda County, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Galveston District, the Texas General Land Office (GLO), and the Port of Bay City Authority, announced the award of a major federal contract for the Mouth of the Colorado River Navigation Channel Maintenance and Sargent Beach Beneficial Use Placement Project.
The $86,347,000 contract has been awarded to Houston-based Orion Government Services, LLC, and includes maintenance dredging of the Colorado River navigation channel, construction of shoreline protection features, and the beneficial use placement of dredged material along Sargent Beach.
Port of Bay City Authority Chairman George Harrison announced the contract to authority Commissioners at their meeting Thursday, Dec. 16.
Harrison said the Corps approval to move ahead with the dredging, sets off several projects the Port Authority has been working on.
Harrison said dredging will extend from the mouth and “whole channel of the Colorado River to the new Jetty.”
The project will deliver 900 cubic yards of sand from that dredging on “sea-bearing barges down to Sargent for our area,” Harrison said.
“This is such a win for our county. It will benefit Matagorda and Sargent,” Harrison remarked.
The dredging award completes a year and half on work on several projects, Harrison noted.
The project is designed to improve navigation safety, enhance coastal resilience, and provide critical shoreline protection for Matagorda County.
“This is a significant investment in the future of Matagorda County,” said County Judge Bobby Seiferman.
“This project strengthens our coastal infrastructure, protects our communities from erosion, and supports the economic vitality of our working waterfronts.
“We are grateful for the strong collaboration with our federal and state partners that made this project possible.”
The project will use dredged material from the navigation channel to reinforce vulnerable shoreline areas near Sargent, helping to mitigate erosion and storm impacts while maximizing environmental and public benefits.
Precinct 2 County Commissioner Mike Eslinbaum emphasized the local impact of the project. “Sargent Beach has faced serious erosion challenges for years,” Eslinbaum said.
“This project delivers real, long-term protection for residents, businesses, and public infrastructure.
“It’s a win for coastal resilience, navigation, and responsible resource management.”
Construction activities are expected to begin in accordance with federal permitting and environmental compliance requirements.
The Sentinel covered the Port Authority Thursday, Dec. 16. Other editorial copy came from a county issued press release Dec. 20.
