Galveston will break ground in early 2025 on its first pump station, a $67 million initiative aimed at addressing frequent flooding, including "sunny day" events caused by rising sea levels.
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Residents of Galveston are set to experience relief from ongoing flooding, with construction commencing in early 2025 on the city's inaugural pump station. Last week, the city council approved the $67 million project, marking a vital advancement in addressing both storm-related and “sunny day” flooding.
Sunny day flooding, resulting from high tides entering the storm drain system, impacts Galveston residents 10 to 20 days each year—a number expected to increase to as many as 200 days per year by 2050, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
“Sea levels here are rising 2.5 to 4 times faster than the global average,” stated Robert Winiecke, the director of infrastructure and engineering in Galveston. “This pump station is a necessary solution to prevent water from flooding our streets and neighborhoods.”
The pump station, situated at South Shore and Bayou Shore, will be designed to resemble a residential home, ensuring it harmonizes with the surrounding area. Advanced sluice gates will be utilized to prevent tidal water from infiltrating the storm drainage system, while pumps will expel floodwaters into open waterways.
The project originated in 2017 when the Texas General Land Office (GLO) sought flood mitigation proposals following Hurricane Harvey. The GLO is providing $54 million for the project, while the city funds will cover the remaining expenses.
City officials recognize the public's worries regarding expenses and the effects on neighborhoods, yet they maintain a strong belief in the station's efficacy. Ongoing maintenance will necessitate additional revenue, which may result in increased stormwater utility fees for residents.
The construction timeline is projected to span two years, aiming for the station to be operational by 2027. This marks the initial pump station out of seven proposed in Galveston’s stormwater master plan, with the subsequent project on 14th Street set to go out for bidding next summer.
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