City Council Approves Coastal Engineering Services Amid Erosion Concerns at Powers Beach

Concerns over coastal erosion and infrastructure management took center stage at the Galveston City Council meeting on August 28, 2025. Council members discussed ongoing issues related to drainage at Powers Beach, where erosion has been exacerbated by improperly managed drainage pipes and street runoff.

Kyle, a city official, highlighted the urgent need for a coastal engineer to address these challenges. He noted that the current drainage systems, which have been in place since the development of Powers Beach, are causing significant erosion and damage to local infrastructure. "The drainage that's there is what's been there since Powers Beach was developed," he stated, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of the situation.

In response to these concerns, a motion was proposed to allocate $100,000 for coastal engineering services. This proposal aimed to ensure that future projects would be guided by expert advice to protect the city’s infrastructure from storm damage and high tides. However, the motion initially failed to receive a second, prompting further discussion among council members.

Ultimately, a revised motion was passed, mandating the use of a coastal engineer for upcoming projects. This decision was met with support from several council members, who recognized the importance of expert guidance in managing the city's coastal resources effectively. "We do need to get a coastal engineer out there," one member remarked, acknowledging the long-term implications of the ongoing erosion issues.

The council's decision marks a significant step towards addressing the critical challenges facing Galveston's coastal areas, with hopes that expert intervention will lead to more sustainable management of the city's infrastructure.