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EDC approves $25,000 for Fishing Futures I CAN program
Summary
The South Padre Island EDC voted to provide $25,000 in budgeted support to the Fishing Futures I CAN inclusive-fishing program after a presentation from the program’s operator.
The South Padre Island Economic Development Corporation voted to provide $25,000 from its budget to support the Fishing Futures I CAN inclusive-fishing program, board members approved during the regular agenda.
The request followed a presentation by program operator Shane Wilson, who described the initiative's work taking people with mobility disabilities and other access needs on escorted boating and adaptive-fishing outings. Wilson said the program conducted 93 trips in 2024 and has completed seven trips so far in 2025. "Out of those 93 trips, 72 of them included wheelchairs," he said, adding participants have included paraplegics and people using walkers.
Wilson told the board the program does not charge participants and relies on grants and corporate sponsorships. He said the I CAN initiative has served people from 207 zip codes, 29 states, eight countries and four continents, and asked the EDC to continue funding at the same level as the prior year.
A board member moved to approve support for the Fishing Futures I CAN program with the $25,000 already budgeted; the motion was seconded and the chair called for a voice vote. "All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Okay, motion carries," the chair said, and board members congratulated Wilson.
Wilson asked the EDC to send an invoice and thanked the board for supporting the boat lift and boathouse that enable accessible embarkation.
The vote allocates funds that were already placed in the EDC budget for the program; no additional appropriation was announced during the meeting.
