Senate Bill 795 aims to establish Gulf Coast protection funding account

On April 16, 2025, the Texas Senate Committee on Natural Resources convened to discuss critical infrastructure projects aimed at protecting the Gulf Coast from storm surge flooding. The meeting highlighted Senate Bill 795, which proposes the creation of the Gulf Coast Protection Account, a dedicated fund to support ongoing and future coastal protection initiatives.

Senator Alvarado introduced the bill, emphasizing the Texas legislature's substantial financial commitment to two major infrastructure projects in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: the Coastal Texas Project and the Sabine to Galveston Project. Since the 86th legislative session, the state has allocated approximately $950 million for these projects, with an additional $230 million proposed in House Bill 500 for the current session. This ongoing support has been pivotal in securing congressional authorization for the Coastal Texas Project, which is poised to become the largest civil works project in the United States.

The proposed Gulf Coast Protection Account would be funded through various sources, including gifts and appropriations, and managed by the General Land Office. The funds would specifically be used for infrastructure development necessary to safeguard the Gulf Coast region. This initiative reflects a broader strategy to enhance the state's resilience against natural disasters, particularly in light of the increasing frequency and severity of hurricanes.

During the meeting, Michelle Bechtel, board president of the Gulf Coast Protection District, expressed gratitude for the legislature's past support and reiterated the importance of these projects in protecting communities and critical infrastructure along the Texas coast. She noted that the Gulf Coast Protection District has made significant progress since its establishment in 2021, with all projects either under construction or scheduled to begin by 2026.

The committee also addressed Senate Bill 2510, although details on this bill were not discussed in depth during the meeting. The discussions surrounding Senate Bill 795 and the Gulf Coast Protection Account underscore the Texas legislature's commitment to proactive measures in disaster preparedness and infrastructure development, aiming to mitigate the impacts of future hurricanes on the state's coastal communities.

As the committee concluded, Senate Bill 795 was left pending, indicating that further discussions and public testimony will be necessary before a final decision is made. The outcomes of these legislative efforts will be closely watched, as they hold significant implications for the safety and economic stability of the Gulf Coast region.