MATAGORDA COUNTY, Texas – Concerns over severe erosion and unsafe infrastructure have led to an indefinite closure of Sargent Beach, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Galveston District officials announced.
The closure encompasses the boat ramp, mooring dock, and the access road known as County Road 238 (West Revetment Road), which runs along the Gulf of Mexico.
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Recent storms have caused significant erosion and structural damage, making the area hazardous for visitors. USACE officials confirmed that the decision aligns with their mission requirements and commitment to reducing risks and ensuring sustainable environmental practices.
The Galveston District’s public affairs chief, Neil Murphy, emphasized the importance of the closure, saying, “Our shared responsibility to protect life and safety while ensuring the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) is protected are part of our core missions. The decision to halt beach access ensures that we are doing our part to keep the community free from harm while we work to address options to improve it and make it safe for public use.”
To reinforce the closure, USACE will install a gate and signage at the entry points, warning residents and visitors not to enter the restricted area.
The boat ramp will remain inaccessible to both vehicles and vessels.
Murphy urged the public to respect the closures for the safety of all involved, stating, “Residents and visitors are urged to respect the closures for their individual safety and the safety of others.”
In previous assessments, including one conducted on March 1, 2023, officials noted several safety issues with the facilities and infrastructure at Sargent Beach. These assessments influenced the decision to withhold lease renewal for Matagorda County’s no-fee lease agreement when it expired in July 2023, with USACE now exploring options to improve safety standards and renew the lease with necessary upgrades.
Sargent Beach, located along the Gulf of Mexico’s barrier islands, faces one of the highest erosion rates in the area. This erosion has raised long-term concerns about potential breaches that could affect the GIWW. To counter this, USACE previously constructed an 8-mile revetment wall and dirt road between 1995 and 1998 to reinforce the area.
Part of this dirt road was later paved as County Road 238, which had been maintained by Matagorda County under the park lease agreement.