City Projects

CMP (Coastal Management Program Grants) CMP Cycle 13, Port Aransas Beach Sanitation proposal, was submitted to the Texas General Land Office (GLO) on June 20, 2007. The primary goal of the $75,000 proposal is to design and construct a state of the art portable ADA-compilant toilet for servicing the beach. Previous CMP Projects The GLO funded three consecutive property acquisition projects from 2003-2005, all targeting properties in the Charlie's Pasture area of Port Aransas. The acquired properties, totaling 55 acres, are adjacent to the Corpus Christi Ship Channel and the 1,100 acre Nature Preserve lease property. Assigned a conservation easement, the property has a designated park use in perpituity and will be used for park facilities in conjuction with the Nature Preserve. The three projects had a total budget of approximately $600,000.

CEPRA (Coastal Erosion Protection Response Act Grants) The City has received four consecutive funding cycles from the GLO for shoreline erosion protection projects adjacent to the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. With the alarming erosion rates seen along the channel (up to 17' per year), the City was in a race to keep the erosion from eating through the last remaining uplands that protect the Port Aransas Nature Preserve. CEPRA Cycle 4, funded in 2005, provided the funding for fortifying the remianing 5,000' of unprotected shoreline and for the placment of two new jetties protecting Piper Channel which provides water access to a large majority of the homes in Port Aransas. The project was completed in the summer of 2007.

Port Aransas Nature Preserve The City of Port Aransas lies on the extreme Northeast tip of Mustang Island, a barrier island 17 miles in length bounded by water on three sides, the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, the Gulf of Mexico, and to the west the Corpus Christi Bay and it's critical wetlands habitat. The primary purpose of the Nature Preserve is to provide protection and stewardship of this natural area such that it can be used in a sustainable manner for aesthetic enjoyment, as well as recreational, educational, and scientific purposes. Currently in design phase, the master planned preserve will consist of upland trails, elevated boardwalks, viewing towers, guided trails, camping, and a information/education center. *See City Maps web page for an overview of the preserve. 67 Acre Marina Tract The City recently received a 5-year extension from the USACOE, on its marina permit that lies adjacent to the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. City Council will be looking into potential development possibilities for the undeveloped site in a workshop this fall. No date has been set at this time.

6th Street Hike & Bike Path (TxDOT Grant) In 2004 the City of Port Aransas was awarded a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Enhancement Project for the construction of a hike and bike trail facility. The trail, under design, will conect the City Hall/Library complex with the Community Park via Avenue A and 6th Street. Beach Street Bus Stop & Repavement Project (RTA) This was an RTA (Regional Transportation Authority)funded project completed in the winter of 2006. The project consisted of approximately 800' of new pavement and sidewalk, and a new ADA bus stop at the base of the Horrace Caldwell Pier. Highway 361 - Ave. G to Beach Access Rd. 1 repave/redesign The State Highway 361 Project is a Federal/State/Local funded highway widening project that will change the existing cross-section from a two-lane to a four-lane with raised median strip highway. The 10 million dollar project will begin at the intersection of Avenue G and Allister Street and terminate near the Beach Access Road 1A flashing light. A 10' wide hike & bike facility will also be constructed on the east side of the new highway. Beach Maintenance Updating the City's beach maintenance regiment is an on-going process that faces changes as regulatory laws governing beach activities tighten. The City is currently in the process of acquiring a US Army Corps of Engineers permit that will give the City the various tools it needs to provide maintenance on the beaches.