The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley held a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday for the Marine Ecosystems Research Facility, marking the start of construction on a $21.5 million coastal research center that will expand the university’s capacity in marine and environmental sciences.

The project was approved earlier this year by The University of Texas System Board of Regents and will be constructed at 905 S. Garcia Street in Port Isabel. The 14,500-square-foot facility will include seven research labs, student workspaces, faculty offices, laboratory support areas and a conference room.

The single-story structure is designed to withstand windstorms and flood surge conditions and will replace five aging portable structures that have been in use for more than a decade.

UTRGV President Guy Bailey said the new facility represents a significant investment in research infrastructure and educational opportunity.

“Today’s groundbreaking represents a major step forward for UTRGV’s research enterprise and our commitment to serving the Rio Grande Valley,” Bailey said. “This facility will strengthen our ability to study coastal and marine environments, expand academic opportunities for our students, and support the region’s long-term sustainability.”

Bailey said MERF also reinforces the university’s broader mission to support both regional needs and long-term academic growth.

“The Marine Ecosystems Research Facility will provide the infrastructure needed to advance the work of our faculty and students for years to come,” he said. “It reflects our continued investment in academic excellence and our responsibility to support the communities we serve.”

The School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences will be the primary academic unit housed at MERF. Dr. Roldán Valverde, director of SEEMS and project advocate, said the facility will substantially improve research operations in Port Isabel.

“MERF will provide SEEMS and UTRGV with stronger visibility at the regional, state, and national levels,” Valverde said. “It will improve access to coastal and marine environments for students, support new areas of research, and help us attract faculty whose work focuses on these fields.”

Valverde said MERF will also serve as a foundation for expanded research coordination across the university as well as as a host site for community outreach activities, student workshops, research presentations and scientific meetings.

These functions will be conducted in close collaboration with UTRGV’s already existing facilities at the Coastal Studies Laboratory located in South Padre Island.

Construction is expected to begin this month, with substantial completion scheduled for November 2026 and final completion in December 2026.