Galveston Seawall hourly parking fees set to double

PHOTOS: New things to do in Galveston

Galveston area residents approved a measure May 4 that will extend the Seawall Boulevard paid parking program through 2029 and doubles the hourly rate from $1 to $2. >>>See more for new things to do in Galveston this summer... less PHOTOS: New things to do in Galveston

Galveston area residents approved a measure May 4 that will extend the Seawall Boulevard paid parking program through 2029 and doubles the hourly rate from $1 to $2. ... more Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle Photo: Mayra Beltran, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 9 Caption Close Galveston Seawall hourly parking fees set to double 1 / 9 Back to Gallery

People planning to spend their next beach day in Galveston at the Seawall should expect higher parking fees soon.

Galveston area residents approved a measure May 4 that will extend the Seawall Boulevard paid parking program through 2029 and doubles the hourly rate from $1 to $2. Election results show 67.97%, or 993 people, voted for the measure, while 32.03% or 468 people voted against it, per the Galveston Island website.

"I thank the voters of Galveston for voicing their opinion and supporting the continuation of the Seawall Paid Parking program," Galveston Mayor Jim Yarbrough said, per the website. "This program affords the city the ability to add and maintain new amenities to the Seawall in a manner that visitors contribute to the cost. The passage of this measure is a positive step for Galveston."

The paid parking program was first started in 2013 to help fund and maintain island amenities along the seawall. Per the city, the parking fees will help funding additional improvements along the Seawall, including additional bathrooms, lighting and landscaping.

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The current paid parking program expires July 27, 2020 and requires that drivers pay $1 per hour between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. Now that voters have approved it, the program will extend to December 31, 2029 and requires drivers pay $2 per hour, with with a maximum fee of $16 daily. The measure also allows for an annual parking permit not to exceed $45, per the website.

"I am happy that the voters have approved the extension and changes to the Seawall Parking Program," City Manager Brian Maxwell said, per the website. "Allowing those that use our beaches to relieve our local tax payers of the burden of paying to install and maintain amenities is a win for everyone."

Looking for new things to do in Galveston this summer? Click through the photos above for some ideas...

Rebecca Hennes covers community news. Read her on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | rebecca.hennes@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message

