ABOUT & THE PLAN
The Plan to Protect Galveston
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has developed a plan for a ring barrier to help protect Galveston from catastrophic hurricane storm surge. Although the proposed barrier would not encircle the entire island, it is an essential part of protecting the Galveston community—its people, homes, businesses, historic neighborhoods, critical infrastructure, and economy.
THE RING BARRIER
What is the Ring Barrier?
The proposed ring barrier is a system of floodwalls, levees, gates, and drainage improvements designed to reduce flooding caused by hurricane storm surge.
It would help protect Galveston’s densely developed urban area, including homes, businesses, historic neighborhoods, the Port, the University of Texas Medical Branch, and other critical infrastructure.
The ring barrier would not protect every part of Galveston Island or eliminate all flood risk. But it would provide a major new layer of protection for the heart of the Galveston community.
Proposed Galveston Ring Barrier Alignment
This conceptual map from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers shows the proposed system of floodwalls, levees, gates, drainage structures, pumps, and related improvements. The alignment may be refined as engineering and design work progresses.
The Plan
The Plan to Protect Galveston
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has developed a plan for a ring barrier to help protect Galveston from catastrophic hurricane storm surge. Although the proposed barrier would not encircle the entire island, it is an essential part of protecting the Galveston community—its people, homes, businesses, historic neighborhoods, critical infrastructure, and economy.
Proposed Galveston Ring Barrier Alignment
This conceptual map from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers shows the proposed system of floodwalls, levees, gates, drainage structures, pumps, and related improvements. The alignment may be refined as engineering and design work progresses.
Floodwalls & Levees
The Protective BarrierForm a continuous line of protection around Galveston's densely developed urban area.
Gates & Access
Keeping Galveston ConnectedAllow ships, vehicles, pedestrians, and water traffic to pass while maintaining storm-surge protection when closed.
Drainage & Pumps
Moving Rainwater OutMove rainwater out of protected areas when storm surge prevents normal drainage.
Seawall Improvements
Connecting the SystemStrengthen and improve the existing beachfront defenses and connect them to the larger ring-barrier system.
Project Timeline
How We Got Here—and Where Things Stand
Hurricane Ike Exposes the Danger
Hurricane Ike devastates Galveston and the upper Texas coast, demonstrating the urgent need for stronger storm-surge protection.
The Coastal Texas Study
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Texas General Land Office study alternatives and develop a comprehensive coastal-protection plan.
Corps Recommends the Project
The Corps completes its final feasibility report, and the Chief of Engineers recommends the Coastal Texas Project to Congress.
Congress Authorizes the Project
Congress authorizes the Coastal Texas Project for design and construction—but authorization does not provide the billions needed to build it.
Initial Design Work Begins
Federal and state partners establish agreements, and limited funding begins moving parts of the larger project into design. As of 2025, the Galveston Ring Barrier itself has not moved into design.
Galveston Is Still Waiting
The Ring Barrier remains authorized but lacks the funding and priority needed to advance. Construction remains many years away unless momentum builds to move it forward.
Design the Ring Barrier
The Galveston Ring Barrier must receive funding and priority to begin detailed engineering, environmental review, drainage planning, and right-of-way work.
Not Yet Established
No official construction schedule or completion date has been established for the Ring Barrier. Without action to move it forward, Galveston could remain unprotected for decades.
Official Documents
Read the Official Plan
Explore the key U.S. Army Corps of Engineers documents behind the Galveston Ring Barrier and the larger Coastal Texas Project.
Coastal Texas Executive Summary
A concise overview of the recommended coastal-protection plan, including the Galveston Ring Barrier.
Open PDF ↗Galveston Ring Barrier Report Excerpt
Selected pages from the Corps' 2021 Final Feasibility Report describing the proposed Ring Barrier's alignment, floodwalls, gates, pump stations, drainage structures, and major sections.
Open Ring Barrier Excerpt ↗Galveston Ring Barrier Map Book
Detailed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maps showing the proposed Ring Barrier alignment, major sections, gates, floodwalls, levees, drainage structures, and pump stations.
Open Map Book ↗See how neighborhood and local input helped shape the proposed Ring Barrier.
How Local Input Helped Shape the PlanReady to Help Move Galveston Forward?
Join our growing citizen movement, receive updates, and help build the public momentum needed to advance the Galveston Ring Barrier.