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Council approves engineering and design funding for three beach-access projects after receiving $6.6 million award
Summary
The council authorized the city manager to execute proposals for engineering Harbor Circle, Bluewater Circle and Daydream Circle and approved a $119,340 budget amendment to prepare shovel‑ready bid packages; staff and the shoreline director noted a separate $6,600,000 award that will fund Bluewater construction later in the year.
The City Council approved moving forward with final engineering for three South Padre Island beach accesses and approved a $119,340 budget amendment from the beach maintenance reserve to prepare bid packages.
Shoreline Director Christina Baburka told the council the projects — Harbor Circle, Bluewater Circle and Daydream Circle — are funded through the Coastal Management Program (CMP) Cycle 29 and that preliminary designs have been reviewed. "We have funding through the CMP cycle 29 to fully engineer and design those 3 beach accesses," Baburka said, adding that the engineering would make the projects "shovel ready" so the city can submit for grant funding as it becomes available.
Council members and staff noted a separate funding step: the mayor referenced receiving a large grant check for $6,600,000 that will support Bluewater construction later this year. Baburka confirmed the Bluewater access project is fully funded through the CMP pocket and does not require a local match.
Why it matters: The engineering work will allow the city to pursue construction grants and schedule upcoming beach access improvements, supporting coastal resilience and public access. Council asked that staff finish design work promptly; staff confirmed a typical 90‑day contract timeline for design and packaging.
Outcome: Council moved, seconded and approved the manager to execute engineering proposals and accepted the budget amendment. The council asked staff to keep the projects on an expedited schedule so construction can proceed once grant disbursements and contracting are completed.
Next steps: Staff will finalize engineering contracts for the three access points and prepare the invitation to bid packages to position projects for grant and construction funding.
