AUSTIN, TX - Today the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) held a Commissioner's Meeting that included the announcement of the project designer selected for the Harbor Bridge Replacement Project in Corpus Christi. Flatiron/Dragados, a joint venture comprised of Flatiron Constructors, Inc. and Dragados USA, Inc., was announced as the project designer in charge of the replacement project.

For the past ten years, Senator Hinojosa has been instrumental in working with TxDOT and local stakeholders to secure funds for the Harbor Bridge which is estimated to cost over $700 million. The new Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge will feature a 205 foot vertical air clearance, opening the door to larger vessels and increased economic activity to the region. It will also have wider lanes, enhanced shoulders, better highway access, and a pedestrian and bicycle path.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

"After over a decade of planning and development, I am proud to say the awarding of this contract is one of the last steps before actual construction of the new Harbor Bridge takes place. The new bridge will address public safety concerns and will provide the infrastructure needed to continue the economic and population growth of the Coastal Bend.

I thank TxDOT for their strong commitment to this project over the past few years. The completion of this project will be considered one of the largest investments ever in our economy and will secure the Coastal Bend's economic future and put us on the global map for international shipping and tourism.

With the Harbor Bridge replacement, we are seeing over a decade of planning and development come to fruition. I am honored to represent the people of South Texas as we are literally bridging the Coastal Bend to the rest of the world and the future."

###