Cameron County approves dune restoration collaboration with Starbase for Boca Chica Beach

STARBASE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Cameron County has approved a plan to collaborate with the City of Starbase in what local leaders are calling a historic step toward combating critical dune erosion along Boca Chica Beach.

Both the county and city say the agreement could be key to preserving public access to the beach, which has become increasingly threatened by eroding dunes and rising tides.

"Access can be difficult depending on the time of day or tide, so we must want to utilize and make sure that access and public preservation of the beach is of primary importance," said Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr.

Officials say the erosion has already impacted Boca Chica Boulevard, the main route to the beach. According to a county erosion response plan, the southern end of the beach is losing approximately 10 to 20 feet due to natural degradation. Treviño acknowledged that little action has been taken to mitigate the issue—until now.

“We need to find the proper quality materials, sand materials, most of which can only be found offshore, so we need the proper grade and material and utilize that to protect, nourish the dunes and obviously the beach itself, so that way access could be preserved,” Treviño said.

City leaders in Starbase echoed the urgency during last week's city meeting, emphasizing the significance of the newly approved interlocal agreement.

“The interlocal agreement will serve as a vehicle to unlock outside funding sources, which we don’t have the ability to get those funding sources right now, so hopefully we will be able to get some money flowing in to help us. The interlocal agreement will also unlock some comprehensive erosion and dune maintenance studies. Again, long-term planning, which is very important,” said Kent Myers, Starbase City Administrator.

The partnership will focus on several key goals, including a visual survey of the beach, identifying areas most in need of restoration, and initiating a small-scale dune rehabilitation effort that would involve volunteers, city staff, and community partners.

The city and county also plan to pursue funding from state and federal sources to support long-term preservation.

“As a beachgoer myself, I’m very interested that it is here to stay because it is something my family and I enjoy as well,” said Starbase Mayor Bobby Peden, who participated in a recent beach cleanup event.

While the full cost of the effort is still unknown, Treviño estimates it could run into the millions of dollars. He hopes the agreement will make it easier to access funding opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable.

“State and federal funding will be our main focus, but if private funding is needed, then hopefully we will be able to look for private funding and sponsoring of what needs to be done to make a quick reality,” Treviño said.

The City of Starbase did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Starbase City Commission is scheduled to hold a special meeting tomorrow night to discuss the proposed project further and vote on it.