Monday, January 11 2016
Project Partners Receive Record of Decision from Federal Highway Administration
Corpus Christi, TX — The Harbor Bridge replacement project cleared the last major hurdle in moving toward construction with a record of decision from the Federal Highway Administration.
The Harbor Bridge replacement project brought multiple partners together for the common good of the region including the Texas Department of Transportation, the Port of Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Corpus Christi Housing Authority, the City of Corpus Christi and many elected officials on local, state and federal levels. Reaction to the good news including the following comments:
- Port Commission Chair, Port of Corpus Christi Judy Hawley – “This is a monumental decision for the Coastal Bend and the State of Texas. The Port Commission’s substantial financial commitment ensures that 60,000 vehicles a day will have a safe, structurally sound bridge. Having a world class 21st century bridge will support the state’s economic growth for decades to come. Congratulations to our city, state and federal colleagues who have been championing this new bridge for nearly two decades.
- Port Corpus Christi Executive Director John LaRue – “Part of the Port’s strategic mission is to leverage commerce to drive prosperity. The new Harbor Bridge is a vital element that will support our mission. It will enhance economic opportunities for the entire region and connects our community to the global marketplace. The Port looks forward to working with TxDOT to construction a new bridge over our channel that will server our region well into the 21st century. We are also ready to work with the Hillcrest community on the relocation effort.”
- United States Congressman Blake Farenthold – “As a result of a team effort, a successful resolution has been achieved to the issues delaying construction of a new Harbor Bridge.
- The new higher bridge will allow the Port of Corpus Christi to accommodate the larger ships coming through the Panama Canal, enabling the port to remain competitive and providing jobs that benefit the local economy.”
- State of Texas Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa – “Thank you to the Port of Corpus Christi, the City of Corpus Christi, Nueces County, TxDOT and community leaders for working together to achieve such a major milestone for our community. All of us working together as a team united towards a common goal to get this final approval to be able to move forward with transforming the Harbor Bridge project into a reality that will bring tremendous economic benefits to the Coastal Bend.”
- State of Texas Representative Todd Hunter – “The new Harbor Bridge will be a guiding light for Corpus Christi, the Coastal Bend and the State of Texas. It will be a magnificent project and a landmark for our area.”
- Mayor of Corpus Christi Nelda Martinez – “I am so thankful for the Port’s investment and leadership with our regional team in making our new Harbor Bridge become a reality.
- This historic win is reflective of our regional partnerships that are stronger than ever. This new world class bridge will have global reaches and significant economic multipliers for our Coastal Bend families for many years to come.”
- Nueces County Judge Loyd Neal – “This is another example of how working together can move even more than mountains. This close collaboration has undoubtedly changed the face and economic capability of South Texas for generations to come.”
- Housing Authority of Corpus Christi Chief Executive Officer, Gary Allsup – “The Corpus Christi Housing Authority is proud to be a partner in the effort to replace the Harbor Bridge. We believe this new bridge will be a tremendous asset to the community for generations to come.”
- Texas Department of Transportation Corpus Christi District Engineer Chris Caron – “The Harbor Bridge project promises to benefit the Coastal Bend and the State of Texas for generations to come. The Texas Department of Transportation is pleased that the project has received approval to move forward.”
