The following is from the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA Texas) in regards to a major project involving the Matagorda Bay area.
The Texas Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA Texas) understands that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) intends to prepare a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the Matagorda Ship Channel Improvement Project (MSCIP).
In 2021, CCA Texas joined a coalition of stakeholders, with intimate knowledge of the Matagorda Bay System, in a request to the USACE to form an oversight council for the MSCIP. The vision for this coalition was to partner with the USACE, generate ideas for “best-use” of dredge material, and monitor the progress of the project relative to guidelines and specifications.
To our knowledge, this coalition never came to fruition, however, we strongly encourage the USACE to consider this request moving forward, much like they did for the Houston Ship Deepening and Widening Project. CCA Texas will continue to engage with appropriate regulators and stakeholders to illustrate short and long-term impacts on our fisheries and aquatic habitat as well as recreational opportunities in the Matagorda Bay system.