CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Nueces County may get the help it needs to rebuild Bob Hall Pier, which was destroyed last year by Hurricane Hanna.
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has included Nueces County in a list of projects submitted for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding totaling $105.6 million. Funding identified on the list must be approved by the State Legislature, according to a spokesperson with the GLO.
In a memorandum sent to Nueces County, Bob Hall Pier is included among the list of Proposed Coastal Stimulus Funding Tourism Projects. The cost estimated for the pier is $30 million.
Also included is the construction of a living shore at Packery Channel at a cost of $2.5 million and work at the Port Aransas Nature Preserve costing $5 million.
In a statement to KRIS 6 News, the GLO says,
“The GLO identified and prioritized several coastal improvement projects that would greatly enhance tourism sites that were negatively impacted both by the COVID-19 pandemic and previous storms. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021, is one possible means to secure funding for these projects, but must ultimately be approved by the State Legislature. The GLO will continue to pursue funding options for these important projects working with State Legislators and Local Governments."
"This is an amazing day in the Coastal Bend," Brent Chesney, Nueces County Commissioner, Precinct 4, told KRIS 6 News when reached for comment. "Because of all the positive work together with state and local leaders the accomplishment today should be shared by everyone involved."
The county had planned to repair the pier with $18 million in certificate of obligation funds.
According to the GLO memorandum, the coastal projects "would provide critical improvements along the Texas coast and have a corresponding positive impact on the tourism, travel, and hospitality industries."
This is a developing story, check back for updates.
