The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced it has allocated $500,000 to Galveston’s Coastal Barrier Project, also known as Ike Dike, a crucial project that aims to mitigate crippling flooding from catastrophic storm surges in vulnerable communities along the coastline.   The first round of funding will facilitate the preconstruction engineering and design phase of the first segment of the Bolivar Peninsula and West Bay Gulf Intracoastal Waterway Shoreline and Island Protection feature, commonly referred to as Ecosystem Restoration feature G-28, according to the Gulf Coast Protection District.   Click to expand The project includes the Galveston Bay Storm Surge Barrier System, which encompasses eight Gulf and Bay defense projects. Among these is the Bolivar Roads Gate System, a two-mile-long closure structure situated between Galveston Island and Bolivar Peninsula. The barrier is designed to diminish storm surge volumes entering the bay, offering direct protection against storm surges for communities residing on the barrier island.  Meanwhile, the West Bay Gulf Intracoastal Waterway Shoreline and Island Protection portion of the project will focus on coastal restoration, including beach and dune segments on Bolivar Peninsula and West Galveston Island. It will also protect critical fish and wildlife habitat against coastal storms and erosion processes.  In addition to enhancing coastal resilience and protecting vulnerable communities from storm surges, this critical project will save tens of billions of dollars in disaster recovery funding and safeguard the Houston Ship Channel, which serves as an economic engine helping to power the region and nation.  “The Coastal Texas Project is one of the largest projects in the history of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,” said Col. Rhett A. Blackmon, USACE Galveston District commander, in a statement. “This project is important to the nation for many reasons. Not only will it reduce risk to the vulnerable populations along the Texas coast, but it will also protect vital ecosystems and economically critical infrastructure vital to the U.S. supply chain and the many global industries located here.”  The Greater Houston Partnership has actively advocated to propel the Coastal Texas Project and other initiatives like it forward for years. The organization most recently visited Washington, D.C., to advocate for the use of funds from the new Community Development Block Grant Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) program, which would provide billions of dollars for flood mitigation projects in the Houston region.  The Houston region consistently works to identify flood mitigation solutions and funding opportunities. Most recently, the U.S. Department of Transportation granted Harris County and the Houston-Galveston Area Council over $10 million to bolster transportation infrastructure projects that aim to enhance resiliency against climate change.  Learn more about the Coastal Texas Project. 

Once characterized by its rural charm and agricultural heritage, Spring Branch, nestled within the heart of Houston, has undergone a significant transformation, evolving into a bustling community.  Over the past decade, Spring Branch has seen a notable surge in population, rising from 107,271 to 120,667 residents, according to the Spring Branch Management District (SBMD). Situated at the crossroads of Houston's major arteries - Interstate 10, Beltway 8, Highway 290 and the 610 Loop - Spring Branch provides accessibility to some of the city’s busiest areas. The area is also strategically positioned near the Energy Corridor, Downtown and Memorial. This substantial growth, coupled with seamless urban connectivity, has positioned it as an attractive destination for new developments and businesses.   Click to expand Witte Road Redevelopment Project Last year, the Witte Road Redevelopment project was completed, converting a former 1.53-acre warehouse on Witte and Westview roads into a neighborhood hotspot for dining and retail. The development features two flagship Underbelly Hospitality concepts, Wild Oats and Underbelly Burger, alongside The Decoy, an expansive outdoor bar with sand volleyball courts.  Houston-based Newfound Partners, a new commercial real estate firm, also recently redeveloped a 28,500-square-foot industrial building at 1106 Witte Road into an innovative, single-level office development. The building now serves as Newfound’s headquarters and is also home to Cannon Field, Leggett Ventures, On Point Custom Homes and more.   Click to expand MarqE Entertainment Center Meanwhile, Spring Branch’s culinary scene is booming with new businesses. Notably, Christine Ha, winner of MasterChef season three, unveiled Stuffed Belly, a novel drive-thru sandwich concept, last year. Aviator Pizza & Drafthouse and SeaSide Poke were unveiled this year as the latest additions to Spring Branch's MarqE Entertainment Center. Additionally, beloved Heights hand-rolled sushi eatery Hando and a new cafe venture by the owners of Urban Eats, dubbed Salt & Sugar, are expanding into the area.   Click to expand Spring Branch Trail Amid ongoing growth and development, Spring Branch remains committed to elevating its quality of life through the enhancement of parks, green spaces and trails. SBMD recently announced that construction is set to commence this summer on a 1-mile concrete stretch that will connect two existing hike-and-bike trails – Emnora and Spring Branch.   Slated for completion in 2025, this project marks the third phase of SBMD's comprehensive strategy to link the Addicks Reservoir near Beltway 8 with the White Oak Bayou Greenway. The initial phase, finalized in 2020, introduced the 2.4-mile Spring Branch Trail, with the second phase set to expand upon this trail once nearby utility tower work concludes.  Click to expand Haden Park Rendering Additionally, SBMD is working to revitalize Haden Park, which spans 13-acres at the northeast corner of Long Point and Witte Road. According to SBMB’s 2024 Master Plan, the project, slated to begin construction in 2025, will add an event lawn, dog park, splash pad, tree house, pickleball courts, playgrounds and public art installations, alongside other improvements to existing infrastructure.  Discover Houston’s neighborhoods and communities.