Residents and business owners in Orange are expressing growing concerns about a significant construction project aimed at safeguarding the area from storm surges and flood damage. The initiative, known as the “Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management Program,” includes efforts in both Orange County and Port Arthur.
According to KFDM/FOX4 News, locals fear that the project will bring noise and disrupt the scenic downtown area. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is overseeing the project, has stated that the design is not yet finalized, leaving some uncertainty about its full impact.
The primary goal of the Orange County segment is to enhance the region’s resilience to future storm and flood events by constructing a comprehensive levee system. This includes approximately 20 miles of new earthen levees, 3 miles of concrete floodwalls, and numerous drainage structures and pump stations designed to protect the area from coastal surge flooding.
However, the Corps emphasizes that while the levee system will significantly reduce flood risk, no structure can entirely eliminate it. The project also includes plans for restoring coastal marshes and preserving wetlands to offset ecological impacts.
The project is currently in the Pre-construction Engineering and Design (PED) phase, with a timeline that stretches from the completion of a feasibility study in 2017 to an estimated construction completion in 2033. As the design progresses, the Corps has pledged to continue outreach efforts to engage with affected residents and stakeholders.
For more information on the project, visit USACE’s official page.
A video about the project can be viewed here.
