Port Arthur council approves $296,336 hotel‑occupancy grant for Museum of the Gulf Coast exhibit

The Port Arthur City Council voted Oct. 21 to approve a resolution authorizing a contract of $296,336 from the city’s hotel occupancy tax account to the Port Arthur Historical Society, which manages the Museum of the Gulf Coast.

Tom Veil, identified in the meeting as representing the Museum of the Gulf Coast, told council members about recent exhibits, inductions and attendance. He said the museum conducts family‑oriented events and special exhibits and that documented inductions this year included the late Kate L. Pate Walker, recently added to the museum’s hall of fame. Veil said the museum draws visitors from many states and several foreign countries.

“During our induction, we found film footage from the National Archives of that battalion and all the marching and things that they've done. That will be part of her exhibit,” Veil said when describing the museum’s Kate Walker installation.

Why it mattered: Council members praised the museum’s programming and urged residents to visit the new exhibits. The contracted hotel‑occupancy tax funds support the museum’s operations and visitor programming.

Council action

Council member Lewis moved to approve the contract; Council member Kinlaw seconded. The council voted in favor and the resolution passed.

What the contract covers

The contract was described on the agenda as funding the Museum of the Gulf Coast for fiscal year 2025–26 in the amount of $296,336, and the funding source was cited as the hotel occupancy tax account.

Ending

Council members used the presentation to invite residents to visit the museum and to note other upcoming museum programming and inductions. Council discussion included logistical details such as whether commemorative shirts and street‑naming opportunities could be pursued to honor inductees.