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 10 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 with State and Federal elected officials, FEMA, the Texas Department of Emergency Management, and the US Army Corps of Engineers to determine which agency had the authority to fund the repairs to Packery Channel.

“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.

“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.