Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $5 Million to Aid Disaster Recovery and Resiliency Efforts in Port Aransas, Texas

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $5 million grant to the city of Port Aransas, Texas, to boost recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey by improving the Port Aransas Municipal Marina and by helping the city acquire land needed to support city services. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create or retain more than 130 jobs.

“The Trump Administration is committed to creating new opportunities for American workers and building the infrastructure necessary for sustainable growth,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “The city of Port Aransas marina improvement project will be a critical part of the city's effort to rebuild its infrastructure following Hurricane Harvey and become more resilient to future natural disasters.”

“As coastal and port communities rebuild in the aftermath of Harvey, continuing infrastructure improvements will ensure that we rebuild stronger and more resilient than ever before,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “I thank the U.S. Department of Commerce for their ongoing support and collaboration with state and local officials throughout the rebuilding process, and I thank Secretary Ross for his commitment to the Lone Star State.”

“Despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey, Texans came together and united to help one another rebuild and recover, said Sen. Ted Cruz. “I am grateful that the Department Commerce is awarding the city of Port Aransas a $5 million dollar grant through the funding provided by Congress earlier this year in the disaster relief funding bill. Port Aransas experienced widespread destruction in the wake of Harvey, and this support will help the community continue to rebuild even stronger than before.”

“With the help of community, resilience, and sheer hard work, Texans have come a long way since Hurricane Harvey hit last year, but scars of its devastation still show throughout our state,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I’m thankful to the Trump Administration for providing this federal grant to Port Aransas to create jobs, facilitate trade, and help Texas families get back on their feet after the storm.”

“It’s exciting to see recovery funds coming into our region to assist communities like Port Aransas that were hit hard by Harvey,” said Rep. Michael Cloud. “Rebuilding our infrastructure will create jobs and make us better prepared for future disasters.”

Port Aransas suffered significant damages as a result of Hurricane Harvey, with the marina district among the hardest hit. Through this project, Port Aransas will make improvements to the downtown marina, including rebuilding docks, pavilion enhancements, and relocation of the harbor office. The project will also allow the city to acquire property to locate city services. The project was made possible by regional planning efforts led by the Coastal Bend Council of Governments. The EDA funds the Coastal Bend Council of Governments to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap that strengthens the regional economy, supports private capital investment, and creates jobs.

This Benedum Airport Authority project is funded under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (PL 115-123) (PDF), in which Congress appropriated to EDA $600 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program (PDF) funds for disaster relief and recovery as a result of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, wildfires, and other calendar year 2017 natural disasters under the Stafford Act.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.