Mayor calls for urgent action on rising windstorm insurance costs

In a recent government meeting, Mayor of Port Aransas highlighted the urgent issue of rising windstorm insurance costs, which he described as a critical concern for coastal residents and the local economy. The mayor, who has lived through numerous hurricanes, emphasized that the high premiums are not only a financial burden but also deter investment and threaten job stability in the tourism-dependent community.

The average home price in Port Aransas is approximately $800,000, with windstorm insurance premiums averaging around $8,000 per property. The mayor pointed out that many residents are being priced out of the market due to these escalating costs, which are compounded by the overall increase in the cost of living and doing business in Texas.

During the meeting, there was a call for state agencies to engage proactively with coastal communities rather than only responding after disasters occur. The mayor suggested that regular check-ins from the Texas Department of Insurance and other relevant agencies could foster better preparedness and support for local officials.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to gather further information on the issue, with the next committee meeting scheduled for September 17. The discussions underscored the need for immediate action to address the financial challenges faced by coastal residents in Texas.