Danielle Husband
As much of the Texas Gulf Coast rebuilds after Harvey, the mayor of Rockport made a shocking announcement: the majority of the city’s damaged areas will not be rebuilt.
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Mayor Charles “C.J.” Wax spoke alongside three other Gulf Coast mayors at an event hosted by the Texas Tribune to discuss the effects of the storm.
https://twitter.com/jametteriley/status/920879141850935296
About one-third of Rockport was heavily damaged by Harvey, and that 30-35 percent of the city will not be rebuilt.
Progress has been slow in the coastal city, with just 300 of the 1,300 businesses in the community open.
Trip to Sweeny, going through Rockport. Road littered with debris waiting to be incinerated. Unbelievable sight pic.twitter.com/fppOfSYM81
— Coach Hamrick (@coach_hhamrick) October 20, 2017
Formerly a tourist destination, Rockport lost the use of four of its five main attractions, which were either destroyed or damaged beyond use. Additionally, the city, known for its trees, lost 800,000 cubic yards of vegetation — including most of the trees that made the city recognizable.
Post Hurricane Harvey in Aransas Pass & Rockport TX. Time & effort but homeowners, volunteers and city public workers are getting it done. pic.twitter.com/FB00aJl2Ze
— Bill Green (@Treesbgreen) October 11, 2017
With tourism stifled, the city will face an economic hardship for years to come. The gradual rebuilding of salvageable areas will limit the number of visitors who flock to the coast, translating to fewer dollars for the struggling city.
Keeping Rockport in my prayers.I wish I could’ve stayed and done more for them, but I’m sure a new volunteering opportunity will come soon❤️ pic.twitter.com/9zftPL33Wk
— S🥀 (@Shamiya_R) October 13, 2017
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“This isn’t going to happen tomorrow or the next day — this is going to be several years before we are anywhere close to where we were,” Wax explained. “The impact next year is going to be severe.”
