CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — County Commissioners are still trying to find a way to save the restaurant on Bob Hall Pier.
Back in 2011, the county received a $750,000 federal grant for improvements to the pier, but they were told they had to give it back when the government found out the part of the money was used to fix the restaurant Mikel May's Beachside Bar & Grill.
Currently, the County Commissioners are hoping some proposed improvements for Horace Caldwell Pier in Port Aransas will put the county back in compliance with the original grant rules and let the restaurant continue operating at Bob Hall.
According to County Judge Barbara Canales, U.S. Parks and Wildlife is allowing the county to possibly clear their debt by building a 2500 square foot observation deck at Horrace Caldwell Pier in Port Aransas.
Canales said if the new observation deck complies with the original grant guidelines, it's possible they could be forgiven and not have to pay that money back.
Nueces County has to use its own funds to pay for the new deck which Canales said they have.
On Tuesday the Port of Corpus Christi agreed to pay $250,000 towards the new project, and port officials encourage any other public or private entities to donate as well.
"If we can do something great and do what we said what we were gonna do for U.S. Fish and Wildlife. that is a terrific win for Nueces County and our friends in Port Aransas," Canales said.
U.S. Fisher and Wildlife gave the county guidelines for their proposal and Canales is confident that they will meet them.
According to Canales, the new observation deck will be used for educational aspects and research for local entities. Canales said the observation deck would also be free, open, and available to the public.
Nueces County still has four more years in their contract with Mikel May's.
Canales said Mikel May's on the water is an excellent asset to the community in part because it generates $120,000 for the county every year and provides 65 jobs.
The proposal is scheduled for Commissioners Court on July 31. According to Canales, they have until Aug. 15 to show it to U.S. Fish and Wildlife.
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