Newly appointed EDC President Thomas Bainter has high hopes during his term to focus and diversify what he calls ‘economic choices’ for tourism on the island. “Economic development should diversify the economic choices and give the tourists more things to do.”

Some choices included working on the Deep-Water Marina, the second causeway project, and the fruition of the Birding and Nature Center’s butterfly garden and aquarium.

The EDC board has invested in a feasibility study on a Deep-Water Marina for the island. “People with bigger boats have more money and spend more.”

Bainter expressed wanting a hospital for the island and retirement homes. “If you get stuck on the bridge, it’s life or death, and have retirement for some of the winter Texans to stay here.

According to Bainter, his goal as President of the board is to create more opportunities like Sand Dollars for success, more often for island businesses. Sand Dollars for Success is a once-a-year grant program for start-ups and existing businesses on South Padre Island.