Cameron County announced the award of approximately $4,908,200 from the Texas General Land Office (GLO) for Phase 5 of the Adolph Thomae Park Shoreline Restoration project. This funding comes from the Coastal Erosion Protection Response Act (CEPRA) program and marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to restore and protect the park's shoreline.
The shoreline restoration project at Adolph Thomae Park has been underway since 2001. Phase I, funded by $568,000 in CIAP funds, restored 850 linear feet of eroding shoreline with a composite retaining structure. Phase II, supported by $1,069,425 in 2007 CIAP funds, restored approximately 1,182 linear feet. In 2020, Phases III and IV received around $1,892,634 from CEPRA Cycles 10 and 11, addressing 1,640 linear feet of shoreline erosion.
Phase V will complete the remaining restoration work of approximately 2,900 linear feet of shoreline through the construction of living shorelines and a breakwater initially designed and permitted during Phase III. This phase includes a stone riprap breakwater and vegetated slope stabilization (Habitat Bench) along 2,700 linear feet of shoreline. The total estimated cost for the construction, final engineering design, construction engineering services, monitoring, and grant administration is approximately $4,967,000. The GLO's commitment is $4,908,200, with Cameron County providing a cost share of $58,800.
"Ensuring our communities, wildlife, and their habitats are safe and thriving is a priority," said Commissioner Buckingham.
"The Texas General Land Office is pleased to award Cameron County with CEPRA funding for this crucial shoreline restoration effort. The creation of a living shoreline that incorporates natural vegetation will not only help connect the land to the shore, but it will also reduce erosion and ensure coastal resiliency for generations to come."
This popular park, visited by many from Cameron County and across Texas, provides a unique blend of wildlife viewing and recreational activities like fishing, kayaking, camping, and picnicking.
This funding will ensure the continuation and completion of essential restoration work, benefiting both the environment and the community for years to come.
