PELICAN ISLAND BRIDGE FUNDING STRATEGY

Gradient was contracted by Galveston County to facilitate an agreement and develop funding for the redevelopment of the Pelican Island off-system bridge between Galveston County, the City of Galveston, TxDOT, the Navigation District and Texas A&M University at Galveston. Pelican Island is an island located in Galveston County, Texas. It is part of the city of Galveston and is linked to Galveston Island by the Pelican Island causeway. The island is home to the Texas A&M University at Galveston as well as USS Stewart, USS Cavalla, and Seawolf Park. Seawolf Parkway is the only street that runs across the island. In 1965, Galveston businessman George Mitchell purchased a large parcel of land on Pelican Island and donated some of it for the permanent home of Texas A&M University at Galveston. The purpose was to establish funding from various sources to reroute Pelican Island causeway around the Texas A&M University at Galveston Campus to improve safety and increase development of the island. Gradient worked closely with US Congressman Randy Weber, Local and State elected official and the Texas A&M University System Chancellor’s office out of College Station to help Galveston County and TxDOT to establish a funding strategy and agreement for the bridge.