The United States Coast Guard has announced a $200 million expansion and reconstruction of its station in South Padre Island, Texas. This project marks the largest investment in shore infrastructure construction in the Coast Guard’s history.
Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who serves as Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, played a key role in securing this funding through the Working Families Tax Cut Act. According to Sen. Cruz, “The Working Families Tax Cut Act is financing the $200 million restoration of South Padre Island’s Station South in Texas. This will rebuild the historic U.S. Coast Guard station after last year’s devastating fire and greatly strengthen southern border security.”
The funds will be used to rebuild facilities that were damaged by a fire in April of the previous year. The project includes new station buildings, pier infrastructure, a harbor operations center, and a joint support space with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Coast Guard Station South Padre Island is located six miles north of Mexico and plays an important role in securing the southern border. The planned improvements are expected to help protect the U.S.-Mexico border and nearby waterways, ensure safe commercial activity, and improve emergency response along the Gulf of Mexico.
Senator Cruz recently won re-election against Colin Allred in 2024 with 53.1% of the vote to Allred's 44.6%. In earlier elections, he defeated Beto O'Rourke in 2018 with 50.9% of the vote and Paul Sadler in 2012 with 56.5%.
