AUSTIN, TX — Yesterday, Governor Greg Abbott announced that the City of Corpus Christi has been awarded a $901,952 grant to replace the natural gas system at the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee during the 2019 legislative session, Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa supported an appropriation of $30 million for the Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) program to issue grants to military defense communities.

"These grants are critical for our military installations to allow them to build up their infrastructure to increase the military value of their base and help avoid a potential BRAC closure," said Senator Hinojosa. "This grant will help replace 78-year old, steel, high pressure natural gas supply lines serving 40 tenants in approximately 75 buildings and make the system much safer and more reliable."

The City of Corpus Christi applied for the grant in October 2020 which included a letter of support from Senator Hinojosa. After a gas leak detection study in June 2019, the City of Corpus Christi identified numerous above and below ground leaks in the natural gas system.

These projects are the continuation of the strong partnership between the City of Corpus Christi, the Navy, the Army, and the State of Texas to make security and safety improvements at the bases. The community is committed to sustaining and growing the missions of both NASCC and CCAD, and this grant funding will be an important investment for their continued growth and success.

"I am pleased the Texas Military Preparedness Commission recognized the importance of replacing the natural gas system at the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi," said Senator Hinojosa. He also added, "I appreciate the leadership of the City of Corpus Christi for working with the Navy, conducting the study, and submitting the application requesting DEAAG funds. I am committed to continue working to protect the mission of our Texas military installations."

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