(August 23, 2009)

PORTLAND--A story now from portland, where state and federal authorities are teaming up to restore some marshland near the Nueces Bay Causeway. The thing that makes this unique is that nearly half the project will be paid for with federal stimulus funds.

At one time, marsh used to be seen near the Nueces Bay Causeway, but now less than an acre is visible. The marsh is gone due to growth and development in Portland over the last half of century.

"Approximately 180 acres was lost directly due to the construction of the Causeway," said Dustin Cravey of the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program. "160 acres lost due to erosion that use to occupy the area out here."

The Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are teaming to restore 30 acres of marsh in this area. They plan to put dirt in the Nueces Bay near the causeway and later plant marsh. The $1 million dollar project will be crucial for fish and birds.

"It should increase nursing habitat and even adult population of fish as well increase feeding opportunities for the water birds in the area," Cravey said. 

Now, nearly half of this marsh restoration plan is being funded by the economic stimulus funds. Because of that, grant writers explained it had to meet a certain criteria, which included creating jobs and being a benefit to this community."

"We estimate it's going to employ about 40 people over the course of the construction period," Cravey said. "It's going to benefit this community in terms of increased habitat and biological diversity in the area."

Once the marsh is restored, then there are plans to fix up the public access area for boaters and fisherman by January of next year.

"We're going to make an improved parking area in here," Cravey said. "Make it easier for fisherman to get in and out so we are not trying to restrict access to the public in the water."

This is just another way federal stimulus funds are helping americans recover from the recession.

--Manuel De La Rosa, Area 3 News, mdelarosa@kiiitv.com