To manage, conserve, and protect the natural resources of the Lavaca Basin in a responsible manner that provides opportunities for growth and benefits the public.
The Palmetto Bend Dam was constructed by the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation as part of the development of the Palmetto Bend Project. Construction of the dam started in 1972 and was completed in 1978. In year 2000, title and ownership of the Palmetto Bend Project, including all real-property, Palmetto Bend Dam, the concrete spillway and other ancillary operating structures were transferred from the United States to Lavaca-Navidad River Authority by Congressional Law.
Since 2000, LNRA has worked under the regulation and guidance of Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s State Dam Safety Program alongside LNRA’s dam safety engineering consultant to monitor the performance of the earthen dam and associated operating structures. As the owner of a critical high-hazard dam, in addition to providing for normal operation and maintenance activities, LNRA is also responsible for identifying, monitoring and taking any corrective actions needed to ensure the proper performance and overall safety of the dam and spillway.
In 2020, LNRA detected an anomaly that presented itself as a potential dam safety issue.
Upon evaluation by LNRA and LNRA’s dam safety engineering consultant, the anomaly was determined to be a concern and LNRA began planning remedial actions. In 2023, LNRA and LNRA’s Dam Safety Engineering Consultant initiated design of a remediation project. In 2025, LNRA advertised, accepted bids and awarded a construction contract to Zachry Construction to manage the planned remediation project.
The scope of LNRA’s Palmetto Bend Dam Remediation Project calls for the construction of a 1500 – 1800-foot long, 110-foot (plus) deep extension of the core-trench of the dam’s main embankment using a one-pass-trench method, construction of a reverse filter and the removal and replacement of a large quantity of heavy stone riprap armament of the East Drain, downstream of the East Drain Drop Structure and the Palmetto Bend Dam.
Given the scope of the project and the location of the work area atop FM 3131, there is no safe non-closure alternative for daily traffic thru the project site and will require a temporary closure of FM 3131 across the dam. While the advertised road closure is expected to be 12-months, the actual closure time may be extended. Roadway repairs will be managed under a separate contract, issued by TXDOT.
Consistent with LNRA’s safety of dams operating protocol for the Palmetto Bend Project, LNRA will follow its Emergency Action Plan if notification of the public at-risk, downstream of Lake Texana, becomes necessary.
If you have questions about the remediation project or work to be undertaken by LNRA, please contact Patrick Brzozowski, P.E. LNRA General Manager, or Scott Hartl, P.E. LNRA Manager of Operations, by calling LNRA’s office at 361-782-5229.