FEMA Awards up to $13.5 Million for Packery Channel Restoration

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - The City of Corpus Christi has been allocated funding to complete the restoration of the Packery Channel from the damage it received in 2017 from Hurricane Harvey. In total, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded funding for up to $13.5 million of the $15 million needed to repair the channel, walkways, and other areas affected by the storm. The City will contribute the remaining ten percent, $1.5 million, with Island Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone funds.

Since Hurricane Harvey, Packery Channel's southern wall has remained damaged, and local leaders have fought for the necessary funds to complete a full restoration. City staff worked diligently with State and Federal elected officials, FEMA, the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM), and the US Army Corps of Engineers to determine which agency had the authority to fund the repairs to Packery Channel.

The City has started the procurement process to award a contract to carry out the reconstruction project. Bids were opened yesterday, and the apparent low bid is within budget. The City Council is expected to award the contract in October.

'After years of relentless hard work, we can celebrate this huge milestone. Now that funding is secured, we can get to work on restoring the Packery Channel to make it an asset for residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come,' Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo said.

'I would like to thank Senators Cruz and Cornyn and Representative Cloud for all their help and support for getting the funding over the finish line of this very important project,' District 4 Council Member Greg Smith said. 'With funding now secured, the City can now award the restoration contact that has been designed and bid.'

'I am happy that my office was able to work as a team with the City of Corpus Christi to ensure the Packery Channel received its funding for restoration,' Representative Michael Cloud said. 'The channel will now be restored to its full glory so that the community and visitors will be able to enjoy more of our beautiful gulf coast.'

'Many Texas communities are still recovering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey. After many delays, I am pleased that FEMA approved funding for repairs to the Packery Channel, and I remain ready to support the City of Corpus Christi through this recovery process. As I have long said, Congress should work alongside FEMA to improve and streamline the often complicated, lengthy disaster recovery process while ensuring Texas taxpayer dollars are used efficiently,' Senator Ted Cruz said.

'Texans are known for their resiliency and strength, and our state has come back from Hurricane Harvey's devastation even stronger. I applaud this announcement and will do everything I can to help Texans in Corpus Christi continue to rebuild,' Senator John Cornyn said.

The Packery Channel opened in 2006 and has provided significant recreational and environmental benefits by allowing easy access to the Gulf of Mexico for boating and constant tidal exchange, improving fishing in the Upper Laguna Madre.

For more information, media representatives can contact Public Information Manager Robert Gonzales at 361-826-3233 or email at [email protected].

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