The U.S. Coast Guard has awarded a $200 million design-build contract to The Haskell Company, Jacksonville, Fla., to recapitalize and expand Coast Guard Station South Padre Island in Texas. The award is the largest single task order in the Coast Guard’s military construction program to date.
The project covers the design and construction of more than 120,000 sq. ft. of facilities and supporting infrastructure intended to improve mission readiness for Coast Guard personnel and Customs and Border Protection operating along the southwest border. Preliminary design and environmental work will begin immediately, with completion targeted for summer 2028.
Located about six miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border, Station South Padre Island supports border security and maritime operations in the Gulf Coast region. According to the Coast Guard, the recapitalization is aimed at strengthening the service’s ability to secure maritime approaches, support commerce, and respond to contingencies in surrounding waterways.
A Coast Guard press release stated the scope of work includes environmental assessments and site surveys, construction of new station facilities, unaccompanied personnel housing, additional berthing, and mission support spaces, reconstruction of waterfront infrastructure, a joint operations center with CBP support space, forward operating areas for Deployable Specialized Forces, a new harbor operations center, and comprehensive site development, utilities, and outfitting.
The Coast Guard said the project will be delivered on an accelerated schedule. Planning was compressed from a typical 18 months to 45 days, while the contracting process was reduced from 15 months to four months.
The investment follows an April 20, 2025, fire that severely damaged the station’s boat house, temporarily forcing crews to relocate operations. The following day, station personnel interdicted a vessel illegally fishing in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone and seized 130 lbs. of illegally caught red snapper and 75 lbs. of shark.
“The courageous team of Station South Padre Island showed resilience and determination,” said Kevin Lunday, acting commandant of the Coast Guard. “The day after fire severely damaged facilities at Station South Padre Island, this crew was back on patrol, successfully interdicting illicit activity in one of our most complex operating environments. This project will provide Station South Padre Island with modern facilities and empower them to continue operations to control, secure, and defend our southern border.”
