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Thursday, November 8, 2001
Packery Channel bill awaits Bush signature
Dredging project would pave the way for resort, has some local opponents
By Suzanne Gamboa
Associated Press
WASHINGTON - Federal officials say work will go ahead on a controversial channel dredging project at Padre Island, now that the federal government has chipped in $1 million for it.
   Funding for the Packery Channel is contained in a $25 billion energy and water spending bill awaiting President Bush's signature.
   The Padre Island channel has been pushed by some local officials and private developers who own land south of the channel, leading some to call it a federal boondoggle that will benefit developers who want to build a multimillion-dollar resort in the area.
   "This is like killing a vampire. This has been rearing its head for many years," said Richard L. Watson, a Port Aransas marine geologist who said he has fought the project for 15 years.
   'Great Texas Resort'
   Supporters, however, have said the project has environmental benefits and will serve as an economic stimulator.
   An investment group headed by developer Paul Schexnailder has proposed building the $677 million "Great Texas Resort" on 400 acres of property his group owns near the channel. The plan calls for transforming the property into beachside hotels, shops, restaurants and other amenities. The channel would provide faster access to the Gulf of Mexico.
   "With what's going on in the economy worldwide and statewide, we need to be in a position to find more avenues for tourism," said U.S. Rep. Solomon Ortiz, D-Corpus Christi.
   At least $30 million
   Studies to determine the project's feasibility and whether it will have any environmental impact have not been completed and final cost estimates will be updated in January, said Carl Anderson, Army Corps of Engineers project manager.
   Current estimates are that the project will cost at least $30 million.
   Anderson said early drafts show dredging the 3-mile, 9-foot- to 12-foot-deep channel, which runs from the Gulf by Aransas Pass to Corpus Christi Bay, is feasible and will have minimal environmental impact. The channel, however, is in the area of critical habitat for the threatened piping plover, a shorebird.
   The public will have 45 days to comment on the studies, once they are completed, but Anderson said the project is likely to go forward.Local voters agreed in April to create a Tax Increment Finance district to pay the city's estimated $10.5 million share of the project.
   'Boondoggle' opposition
   It continues to face powerful local opposition.
   On Monday, State Senator Carlos Truan, D-Corpus Christi, sent a letter to the General Land Office opposing a $3 million state grant for the project, said Vick Hines, Truan's senior legislative aide.
   Hines said if the channel is dredged, local taxpayers will get stuck with high maintenance costs to keep it from silting up.

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