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Council approves $50,000 sponsorship for RG Reef to support ecotourism and fishing habitat
Summary
Council approved a $50,000 sponsorship to the RG Reef program to support reef construction and the island’s fishing tourism economy; Visit South Padre Island staff said the reef supports fisheries habitat and local tourism spending.
The City Council approved a $50,000 ecotourism sponsorship to the RG Reef program to support reef growth, sustainability and the economic activity generated by recreational fishing. Blake Henry of Visit South Padre Island presented the request and told council the reef helps provide nursery habitat for species such as red snapper and supports fishing‑related tourism that funnels spending into hotels, guides and restaurants.
The council received the request as a board‑approved recommendation from the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CBA) and approved the $50,000 sponsorship by motion and second. Council members praised the reef as an environmental and economic asset; no opposition was raised during the public comment period on this agenda item.
The sponsorship was described as part of a multi‑year partnership between the city and the reef program. Staff will manage the funding through the appropriate tourism/marketing budget and confirm reporting expectations with the reef organization.
