Brazoria County will soon begin an important environmental initiative to strengthen and restore the coastal dunes along Bluewater Highway. The Follett’s Island Dune Restoration Phase 2- Bluewater Highway Dunes project is set to begin in July 2025 and is expected to continue for approximately one year.

Funded by a $1.25 million grant from the Texas General Land Office, this project will focus on restoring approximately 4,600 linear feet of the dunes. The restoration work will include the placement of biodegradable round hay bales, which will be stacked in shallow, excavated trenches to help form and stabilize new dune structures.

This project comes in response to dune damage caused by Hurricanes Beryl (2024) and Nicholas (2021), along with impacts of numerous tropical storms that have battered the Brazoria County coastline in recent years. This dune restoration project supports long-term coastal resilience and helps protect nearby infrastructure and ecosystems from storm surge and erosion. Dunes serve as natural barriers against coastal flooding, and their restoration is an important part of Brazoria County’s environmental and disaster preparedness strategy. “The Brazoria County Engineering Office is very pleased to see this project is moving into the construction phase, following years of dedicated planning, design, and close coordination with numerous stakeholders,” said Wael Tabara, Assistant Brazoria County Engineer.

Despite the ongoing work, the County does not expect this project to disrupt access or beachgoing activities on Follett’s Island except within clearly defined work zones.

“We’re proud to partner with the Texas General Land Office on this important dune restoration project,” said County Judge Matt Sebesta. “This project enhances our natural defenses while maintaining the public’s access to our great beaches.”