Austin News

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, along with Senator John Cornyn and Representative Michael Cloud, has voiced their support for the City of Corpus Christi's appeal of FEMA's rejection of additional funding for the Packery Channel Restoration Project. The Packery Channel, a man-made tidal inlet that connects the Gulf of Mexico with the Corpus Christi Bay, suffered significant damage during Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and requires repair to maintain its function and ecological balance.

FEMA took almost four years to review and approve the original restoration plan for the Packery Channel. However, during this time, the channel experienced additional corrosion and damage that was not accounted for in the initial plan. Due to bureaucratic red tape, the City was unable to begin restoration work until FEMA officially approved the plan.

In a letter addressed to the Regional Administrator of FEMA Region 6, the senators expressed their support for the City of Corpus Christi's appeal and highlighted FEMA's failure to properly identify project eligibility and the protracted review time for Public Assistance. They emphasized that the City followed FEMA's policies and completed the necessary environmental and historic preservation reviews before initiating construction. The delay in restoration work was a result of FEMA's initial failure and the subsequent project scope amendment to address further damages.

The senators urged FEMA not to withdraw the federal funds already allocated to the project, emphasizing the importance of fully restoring the Packery Channel. They called for a fair consideration of the City's appeal and stressed that the City should not be held responsible for further damages caused by FEMA's delay.

It is worth noting that Senator Cruz played an active role in securing $10 million in federal funding from FEMA in 2021 for the Packery Channel Restoration Project. He has been dedicated to supporting the victims, volunteers, first responders, and local officials affected by Hurricane Harvey since its devastation in 2017. Alongside Senator Cornyn, Senator Cruz worked to bring $89 billion in federal aid to Texas and authored legislation to expedite the distribution of $4.3 billion in disaster recovery funding.

The delay in the restoration of the Packery Channel has been a source of frustration for the City of Corpus Christi and its residents. The channel plays a crucial role in the local coastal environment, supporting economic activities such as fishing, tourism, and recreational boating. The City has diligently followed FEMA's guidelines and requirements, and it is only fair that their appeal for additional funding is given careful consideration.

The support from Senator Cruz, Senator Cornyn, and Representative Cloud demonstrates their commitment to ensuring that the City of Corpus Christi receives the necessary resources to restore the Packery Channel. Their efforts highlight the importance of effective and timely disaster response and recovery, particularly in areas heavily impacted by natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.cruz.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sen-cruz-calls-out-fema-for-delaying-the-repair-of-the-corpus-christi-packery-channel-after-hurricane-harvey