What is believed to be the largest beach nourishment project in the history of Texas will soon begin.  The beach was impacted by both Hurricane Dolly and the storm surge from Hurricane Ike, which struck Galveston.  According to Jerry Patterson, Texas General Land Office Commissioner, more than 400,000 cubic yards of sand will be moved through dredging maintenance of the entrance to the Brownsville Ship Channel.  Work is set to begin in December, 2008 and should be completed by March, 2009.  The project is a cooperative effort of South Padre Island, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the Texas General Land Office.  The Port of Brownsville/Brownsville Navigation District is providing significant assistance as well.

South Padre Island continues to work on dune restoration with volunteers regularly assembling, under the direction of University of Texas at Brownsville marine scientists, to plant vegetation to enhance the strength, health and beauty of our beach.  Volunteers are always needed so check with the town web site for opportunities to help vegetate our dunes www.townspi.com