AUSTIN — The Texas Transportation Commission approved a $3.8 million grant from the Texas Mobility Fund for the Port of Corpus Christi for safety improvements to the Joe Fulton International Trade Corridor and Rincon Road leading to the Rincon Industrial Complex. Specifically, the funds are for the expansion of Rincon Road by 3,400 linear feet to include intelligent transportation system components, lighting, striping, signal installation and improvement of the intersection.

This grant is being awarded pursuant to a budget rider for Texas ports approved by the legislature the past three sessions. As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and member of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa was instrumental this past session in securing $40 million for the Port Access Improvement Grant Program to improve connectivity to Texas ports. Projects are selected by the Port Authority Advisory Committee and approved by the Texas Transportation Commission.

Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa issued the following statement:

"Congratulations to the Port of Corpus Christi on receiving a $3.8 million grant from the Texas Transportation Commission for safety improvements to the Joe Fulton International Trade Corridor and Rincon Road. With the growth of the Port of Corpus Christi, and the increased traffic due to the construction of the new Harbor Bridge, it is important that we continue to invest in the safety and infrastructure needs so that our Port can continue to grow and provide jobs and resources for our community.

For the past three sessions I have advocated aggressively and have played a key role in securing funds for port capital improvement projects. I appreciate Charlie Zahn, Chairman of the Port of Corpus Christi and Sean Strawbridge, CEO of the Port of Corpus Christi, for their leadership, tireless advocacy, and commitment to our port and the Coastal Bend region."

This $3.8 million grant, along with the previous grants funded by this rider, bring the total investment from the Port Access Improvement Grant Program to almost $10 million for the Port of Corpus Christi.

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