Nueces County to accept $3.678M GLO grant for Packery Channel living‑shoreline and public access project

Nueces County Commissioners Court on May 11 voted to accept a $3.678 million grant from the Texas General Land Office for a living‑shoreline project and public‑access improvements at Packery Channel Nature Park. The award covers bank stabilization, placement of breakwaters, dredge‑material placement behind protective structures, and wetland restoration.

The grant requires no local match and is part of the GLO’s resiliency program. Scott Cross, Coastal Parks director, told commissioners the grant will allow the county to replenish shoreline lost to erosion, stabilize fishing areas and rebuild wetlands that once buffered storm surge. Cross said the county may need an individual permit if the project exceeds nationwide‑permit linear‑foot limits; staff scheduled a joint evaluation meeting with regulatory agencies for June 7 to resolve permitting questions.

Why it matters: The Packery Channel site separates North Padre Island from Mustang Island and is heavily used by anglers and beachgoers. County leaders said the project will both protect habitat and preserve public access in an area showing chronic erosion.

Cross said earlier estimates for the project were roughly $2.3 million but the county was awarded the larger amount after the GLO’s special merit process. He told the court that construction could take about two years after permitting is complete.

County attorney and procurement staff reviewed the contract language; the court moved to accept the award and authorize execution of the contract. Commissioners voiced support and approved the motion by voice vote.

Next steps: staff will proceed with final contract execution, complete any required federal/state permit coordination (including the June 7 JEM), and return to commissioners with a project schedule and any necessary road or access improvements for the park road identified in the packet.

"This is exactly the medicine we need," the presiding officer said in support of the effort. Commissioners asked staff to monitor permitting closely and report back on schedule and any changes to scope or timing.

Ending: With acceptance of the grant, the county will begin pre‑construction permitting and planning; staff estimated two years for completion after permits are secured.