HDR Selected to Engineer Beaches and Dunes Coastal Defenses for Landmark Coastal Texas Project

HDR has been selected by the Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD) to provide engineering services for the Beaches and Dunes feature of the Galveston Bay Barrier System, also known locally as the “Ike Dike.” This element is a significant component of the largest coastal protection effort in U.S. history, the landmark Coastal Texas Project, a partnership between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), GCPD and the Texas General Land Office (GLO).

The project will deliver approximately 45 miles of nature-based coastal defense structure, designed to reduce storm surge risk and protect infrastructure and ecosystems. The beach and dune field system will flank The Gate — an approximately 2-mile-long flood gate system between Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula — to support the area’s integrated storm surge protection strategy.  

“USACE selected a nature-based feature to prevent the envelopment of the gates, given the critical habitat and recreational value of Texas’ beaches and dunes in the Galveston Bay area,” said Timothy Vail, area manager for HDR’s water practice. “This nature-based solution is a critical part of the comprehensive set of risk reduction measures.”

HDR’s team brings deep expertise in coastal engineering and extensive experience navigating federal environmental compliance and is structured to support both design and programmatic execution.

“Our practice has been preparing for a project of this scale for the past few decades,” said HDR Coastal Technical Director Cameron Perry. “It will be a generational achievement that protects not only our region but our families, friends and co-workers.” 

About HDR  
HDR is a 100% employee-owned professional services firm. Founded over a century ago to bring electricity to a changing world, we are now a global company specializing in architecture, engineering, environmental and construction services. Our success in built and natural environments continues as we collaborate to solve our clients’ and communities’ most complex challenges.