88R14806 TBO-D
By: Hunter H.C.R. No. 69
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Constructed in 1973, the JFK Causeway Bridge serves
as a major gateway between Padre Island and the Corpus
Christi/Flour Bluff area, and the causeway is nearing capacity due
to increased vehicle traffic; and
WHEREAS, Padre Island, Mustang Island, Port Aransas, Corpus
Christi, and other communities surrounding the JFK Causeway have
experienced significant population growth over the years, creating
a critical need for additional traffic routes to accommodate more
travelers between the barrier island and the mainland; and
WHEREAS, During dangerous and life-threatening weather
events, easily accessible evacuation routes are crucial to ensure
the safety of area residents, and the single route provided by the
JFK Causeway may not be sufficient in an emergency; slower travel
times caused by high traffic density could endanger the lives of
evacuees; and
WHEREAS, The potential benefits of constructing a second
causeway connecting Padre Island to the mainland range from
reducing travel time to preserving life, and it is imperative that
this option be explored; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby request that the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the
House of Representatives create a joint interim committee to study
the construction of a second vehicular causeway connecting Padre
Island to the mainland; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the committee submit a full report, including
findings and recommendations, to the 89th Texas Legislature in
January 2025.