Aransas County OKs nonbinding MOU to coordinate Little Bay restoration and pursue large state grants

Aransas County commissioners voted unanimously to authorize a nonbinding memorandum of understanding with the city of Rockport, the navigation district and the town of Fulton to coordinate grant-seeking and joint efforts aimed at improving water quality and ecological health in Little Bay.

Staff described the document as a nonbinding agreement intended to present a coordinated, "good-faith collaboration" to identify and pursue funding and projects, including living shorelines, circulation improvements and island stabilization. The staff presenter said the MOU would not create binding financial obligations for the county.

Restore Little Bay representatives said they had formed a foundation to pursue grants and identified two large grant opportunities. Gary Guillory told the court that a major state grant round — described in the record as a Texas Water Board Commission opportunity — has roughly $2,000,000,000 available and that some grant application windows are imminent this winter. The presenter and Mr. Guillory noted a related Coastal Bays and Estuaries Program application with a near-term deadline.

According to staff, two partner bodies (the CFO 4 and the navigation district) had already approved or signed the MOU, and the town of Fulton expected to place the MOU on its calendar within about two weeks. Commissioners said the coordinated approach should strengthen applications and allow partners to evaluate which entity would serve as the fiscal sponsor for specific grants.

Commissioners voted Aye in roll call; the presiding official announced the motion passed and staff was authorized to execute necessary documents related to the MOU and pursue grant opportunities in cooperation with partner agencies and Restore Little Bay.