The SPI EDC board held its regular meeting on Jul 18 and discussed an update from Gayle Hood on the Deep-Water Marina from Edge Water Resources' representative Greg Weykamp, Sand Dollars for Success Winners, and Entrepreneurship classes from UTRGV sponsored by the EDC.
Deep Water Marina Update
What happened
EDC Board member Gayle Hood assigned to the marina project, gave an update to the board. "We're 80% complete on the preliminary investigation."
The board received notice of the award for one grant worth $181,000 this month. Though the City will be reimbursed, according to the grant's terms, the City must wait four to six weeks before applying to get funds back. Greg Weykamp with Edge Water Resources is a paid consultant for the project who told Hood that when it comes to government funds, it may or may not take six weeks.
Why it matters
The following steps are required prior to submitting the project for approval to the US Army Corp of Engineering, and the State of Texas.
- Completing the preliminary engineering study
- Submit joint permit application with Cameron County
Completing the preliminary engineering study will confirm all assumptions made in the initial feasibility study and generate drawings sufficient for permitting submission. The preliminary engineering budget is $493,000. Additional funding required is $260,000, split with Cameron County.
The application process can take up to 15 months due to the permit circulation between the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and the State of Texas.
What now
Regarding timing, the remaining preliminary engineering will take ten to twelve weeks (Late Sept). Submission of the joint permit application in January 2024 will complete processing as early as Spring 2025.
Sand Dollars for Success Grant Winners
New Business
Carol Plumb Art – $10,000
SPI Wine Bar – $10,000
Little Leaf Microgreens – $10,000
Existing Businesses
Karla's Catering – $18,000
The Upper Deck – $10,000
Hooked On Seafood – $10,000
Entrepreneurship classes
Kauffman FastTrac NewVenture provides the tools to develop a business concept, determine the viability of the business concept, and outline the critical steps to a successful business launch.
The entrepreneurship course will start on Sept 7 and end on Oct 19. Online Registration is now open.
The seven sessions sponsored by the SPI-EDC will take place at the ABI. (2500 Padre Blvd #1) weekly on Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
