Austin News

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) expressed his satisfaction during a press conference held yesterday to commemorate the successful conclusion of the Packery Channel restoration project. The Packery Channel, which faced significant damage from Hurricane Harvey in 2017, has now been revitalized thanks to collaborative efforts between Sen. Cruz, the City of Corpus Christi, and federal agencies FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers.

Sen. Cruz highlighted the unity and dedication of the various levels of government involved in the restoration project, stating, “We had a completely unified team at the federal level, at the state level, at the local level, and at the county level. Everyone worked hand in hand, and we're all aware when it comes to government sometimes there's bureaucracy [and] sometimes it moves slowly."

Acknowledging the delayed timeline for the project, Sen. Cruz emphasized the hard work put in by many individuals, including himself, Rep. Michael Cloud, and Sen. John Cornyn. He remarked, “The Packery Channel looks fantastic, and Corpus Christi, as we predicted in the wake of the hurricane, is stronger and more beautiful than ever. I could not be more encouraged about the future of Corpus Christi, … and the great state of Texas."

Sen. Cruz's involvement in the reconstruction efforts in Southeast Texas has been ongoing since Hurricane Harvey's impact in 2017. His advocacy and actions have led to significant milestones, including securing emergency funding for storm victims and pushing for legislation to expedite disaster recovery funding.

Furthermore, Sen. Cruz's contributions to the Lone Star State were instrumental in the 2022 Water Resource Development Act, where he championed provisions benefiting Texas, such as authorizing projects like the Coastal Texas Resiliency Improvement Plan and directing resources towards flood mitigation concepts in various watersheds.

The completion of the Packery Channel restoration project stands as a testament to the resilience and collaborative spirit of those involved, ensuring a stronger and more vibrant future for Corpus Christi and the surrounding areas.