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Home My WebLink AboutPR 24815 ACCEPTANCE OF GULF OF MEXICO ENERGY ACT FUNDING FROM JEFFERSON COUNTY r. www.PortArthurTx.gov INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM Date: March 4, 2026 To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Through: Ron Burton, City Manager From: George Davis, Director of Pleasure Island RE: P.R. 24815 —Acceptance of Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act(GOMESA) funding from Jefferson County Introduction: The intent of this Agenda Item is to request the City Council's approval of P.R. No. 24815 authorizing the City Manager to accept Jefferson County's use of$141,000 in Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act(GOMESA)funding to support Phase One of the Palms at Pleasure Island Green Space & Bird Habitat Project Background: Jefferson County's $141,000 contribution will help fund Phase One of the Palms at Pleasure Island Green Space and Bird Habitat Project, converting approximately 60 acres of the former Palms Golf Course into an ADA-compliant nature trail and ecological restoration area. Phase One focuses on removing invasive species,including Chinese tallow trees,through hydro-axing, land clearing and herbicide treatment to prepare the site for long-term restoration. This initial phase lays the groundwork for a five-year native planting and habitat restoration program, future ADA trail improvements and educational amenities. The full project, estimated at $800,000 to $1 million, will be supported by grants and partnerships and is expected to enhance flood mitigation,biodiversity,tourism and overall quality of life in Southeast Texas. Budget Impact: N one Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve P.R.No.24815 authorizing the City Manager to accept Jefferson County's use of $141,000 in Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA)funding to support Phase One of the Palms at Pleasure Island Green Space&Bird Habitat Project "Remember,we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur" P.O.Box 1089 X Port Arthur,Texas 77641-1089 X 409.983.8182 X FAX 409.983.8294 P. R. #24815 3/4/2026 gd RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT AN ALLOCATION OF GULF OF MEXICO ENERGY SECURITY ACT (GOMESA) FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $141,000.00 FROM JEFFERSON COUNTY TO SUPPORT PHASE ONE OF THE PALMS AT PLEASURE ISLAND GREEN SPACE AND BIRD HABITAT PROJECT. WHEREAS, the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) provides funding to eligible coastal states and local governments for activities that support coastal protection, conservation, restoration, and the mitigation of impacts associated with Outer Continental Shelf energy development; and WHEREAS, Jefferson County has allocated GOMESA funding in the amount of $141,000.00 for the benefit of the City of Port Arthur to support Phase One of the Palms at Pleasure Island Green Space and Bird Habitat Project; and WHEREAS, the proposed project is intended to enhance and preserve natural habitat on Pleasure Island through conservation and environmental improvements, including activities that promote coastal protection, support wildlife and natural resource conservation, and improve environmental conditions for the benefit of the community and visitors; and WHEREAS, the proposed project activities qualify under authorized uses of GOMESA funding, including coastal conservation and restoration, mitigation of impacts to fish and wildlife resources, development of green infrastructure, and eligible planning and administrative activities associated with program compliance; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that acceptance of these funds will support environmental stewardship, enhance public green space, and advance the City's ongoing efforts to improve recreational and ecological resources on Pleasure Island for residents and visitors alike. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS: - F "'MN .,,er g '"sue Section 1. That the facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct. Section 2. The City Manager is hereby authorized to accept the allocation of Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) funds from Jefferson County in the amount of $141,000.00 to support Phase One of the Palms at Pleasure Island Green Space and Bird Habitat Project, with such funds to be utilized for eligible project activities as described in Exhibit"A." Section 3. That a copy of the caption of this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the City Council. READ, ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS day of March, A.D., 2026, at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur,by the following vote: AYES:(Mayor) Councilmembers: NOES: P. R. #24815 3/4/2026 gd Charlotte M. Moses Mayor ATTEST: APPROVE M: Sherri Bellard Roxann Pais Cotroneo City Secretary City Attorney APPROV I R • MINISTRATION: Ronald 7IFTin, CPY George Davis, MA, CPM City Manager Director of Pleasure Island APPROVED AS TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS: Lynda y Boswell, MA, ICMA-CM Clifto E. Williams, Jr., Director of Finance Purchasing Manager P. R. #24815 3/4/2026 gd Exhibit "A" Memorandum To: Fran Lee, Jefferson County Auditor, Fred Jackson, Jefferson County Attorney, Michelle Falgout, Jefferson County Chief Engineer 2/19/26 From: Tim Richardson 202-352-1269, trpr51@gmail.com 2 pages Re: Use of GOMESA funds by Jefferson County to construct the Palms at Pleasure Island Green Space & Bird Habitat Project meets GOMESA Authorized Uses #1 , #2, #4 and #5 Jefferson County's use of $141,000 in GOMESA funding to support Phase One of the Palms at Pleasure Island Green Space & Bird Habitat Project meets the GOMESA Authorized Use #1 because it accomplishes all of the stated aims of that authorized use directive for using GOMESA funds including coastal protection through conservation, coastal restoration, hurricane protection, and infrastructure directly affected by coastal wetland losses. Jefferson County's use of GOMESA funds to support Phase One of the Palms at Pleasure Island Green Space & Bird Habitat Project meets the GOMESA Authorized Use #2 because the project mitigates damage to fish, wildlife, and natural resources and creates new biodiverse habitats including the removal of invasive Chinese Tallow. Jefferson County's use of GOMESA funds to support Phase One of the Palms at Pleasure Island Green Space & Bird Habitat Project meets the GOMESA Authorized Use #4 because the Palms at Pleasure Island Green Space and Bird Habitat Project mitigate the impacts of Outer Continental Shelf activities upon Jefferson County by creating new green infrastructure outcomes. Jefferson County's use of GOMESA funds to support Phase One of the Palms at Pleasure Island Green Space & Bird Habitat Project meets the GOMESA Authorized Use #5 because the County can use GOMESA proceeds to pay for planning and administrative costs of complying with GOMESA requirements. gr- Project Description Jefferson County's directed GOMESA funding request of$141,000 will support Phase One of the Palms at Pleasure Island Green Space and Bird Habitat Project. Key points include: 1. Project Overview:The initiative aims to repurpose 60 acres of the former Palms Golf Course into an ADA-compliant nature trail and ecological restoration area, creating a regional environmental and recreational asset. 2. Phase One Goals: Focuses on removing invasive vegetation (e.g., Chinese tallow trees)through hydro-axing, land clearing, and herbicide treatment to prepare the site for long-term ecological restoration. 3. Funding Details: Jefferson County's contribution will cover part of the estimated $168,000-$200,000 Phase One costs.The City of Port Arthur will fund the remaining expenses. 4. Future Plans: The comprehensive restoration program includes planting 400 native trees and plants, establishing bird corridors and pollinator habitats, rehabilitating trails for ADA access, and adding benches, signage, and educational features. Full project costs are estimated at$800,000-$1,000,000, funded through grants, sponsorships, and partnerships. 5. Benefits:The project supports flood mitigation, carbon capture, biodiversity, tourism, and public health. It aligns with community demand for restored parks and nature trails and is expected to boost Port Arthur's $6 million annual birding tourism revenue. 6. Regional Impact:Jefferson County's investment will enable the critical first phase of a long-term project that promises lasting benefits for resilience, recreation, tourism, and quality of life for Southeast Texas residents. GOMESA Authorized Uses: GOMESA funds may only be used for projects that satisfy one or more of the following statutorily authorized uses: 1. Projects and activities that are for coastal protection, including conservation, coastal restoration, hurricane protection, and infrastructure directly affected by coastal wetland losses. 2. Mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources. 3. Implementation of a federally approved marine, coastal, or comprehensive conservation management plan. 4. Mitigation of the impact of outer Continental Shelf activities through the funding of onshore infrastructure projects. 5. Planning assistance and the administrative costs of complying with GOMESA requirements.