Sen. Cruz Celebrates Coast Guard’s Historic Investment in South Padre Island

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States Coast Guard announced a landmark $200 million expansion and rebuild of the Coast Guard Station in South Padre Island (SPI). Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, secured this money for SPI in the Working Families Tax Cut Act. The funding represents the largest award for a shore infrastructure construction project in Coast Guard history.

Sen. Cruz said,"The Working Families Tax Cut Act is financing the $200 million restoration of South Padre Island's Station South in Texas. This will rebuild the historic U.S. Coast Guard station after last year's devastating fire and greatly strengthen southern border security."

BACKGROUND

The funding will rebuild SPI facilities damaged by a fire last April. Construction will also cover station facilities, pier infrastructure, a new harbor operations center, and a joint support space with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Located just six miles north of Mexico, Coast Guard Station South Padre Island is at the forefront of securing our southern border. The project will help the Coast Guard protect the U.S.-Mexico border and its surrounding waterways, support the safe flow of commerce, and respond quickly to emergencies along the Gulf of America.