USACE breaks ground on next phase of Port Arthur hurricane protection project

Photo By Bobby Petty | Crews create a test platform to place fronting protection to the existing Alligator Pumping Station, which serves to protect the Valero Port Arthur Refinery and downtown portion of the City of Port Arthur from storm surge. The work is part of the Port Arthur Vicinity 03A Project. Improvements will help safeguard refineries responsible for producing approximately 10% of the nation’s petroleum, as well as 102,000 residents who call the Port Arthur community their home.  

GALVESTON, TEXAS, UNITED STATES

01.22.2025

Story by Bobby Petty   

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District has officially begun construction on PAV03A, the latest segment of the Port Arthur Project, and part of the Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Coastal Storm Risk Management Program. The groundbreaking took place in late December along the western side of the existing hurricane protection system.

Awarded in September 2023, this $102.5 million contract to Flatiron Constructors, Inc., will take roughly four years to complete. PAV03A involves the construction of fronting protection for the Lakeside, Alligator Bayou, and Port Acres pumping stations, along with other flood mitigation upgrades to strengthen the Port Arthur hurricane protection system.

The Port Arthur Project is a partnership between USACE and Jefferson County Drainage District No. 7 (the non-federal partner), with funding support from the State of Texas through the Texas General Land Office and the Gulf Coast Protection District. Design and construction costs are shared, with 65% funded by the federal government and 35% by the local non-federal partner. USACE oversees the project’s design and construction for the Port Arthur Project, while DD7 is responsible for operating and maintaining the system once completed.

“Galveston District is proud to further enhance the safety and resilience of the Port Arthur community with the launch of PAV03A,” said Col. Rhett A. Blackmon, Galveston District commander. “This milestone strengthens critical sections along the western flank of the existing Port Arthur hurricane protection system. Collaborating with DD7 and GCPD, USACE continues to help safeguard not only refineries responsible for producing approximately 10% of the nation’s petroleum, but also the 102,000 residents who proudly call the Port Arthur community their home.”

Design work for additional phases of the Port Arthur Project will continue through 2028, with more construction contracts awarded as the project progresses. The entire project is expected to be completed by 2033.

The original Port Arthur hurricane protection system was constructed between 1966 to 1983. The system was designed to provide protection from hurricane storm surges up to 14 feet above mean sea level.

For more information about the S2G Program and the Port Arthur Project, visit https://www.swg.usace.army.mil/S2G/

• Date Taken: 01.22.2025
• Date Posted: 02.12.2025 14:34
• Story ID: 489501
• Location: GALVESTON, TEXAS, US