Let There be Light
Published on November 29, 2011 under Texas League (TL1)
Corpus Christi Hooks News Release
(CORPUS CHRISTI) - The holiday season promises to be a little brighter in the Coastal Bend when a state-of-the-art lighting system illuminating the Harbor Bridge is revealed at a celebration at Whataburger Field at 7:05 p.m. on Sunday, December 4.
The bridge lighting project is a $2.2 million public-private partnership between the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the City of Corpus Christi (City), the Port of Corpus Christi Authority (Port), and American Bank. Some 950 LED lights will be programmed in a 15-minute show of colors, patterns, words, motion, and video. The stadium will open at 6 p.m. with popcorn and beverages available for purchase. Outside food and drinks are not permitted at Whataburger Field. Parking and admission are free. A 15-minute program will precede the light show.
"This is an early Christmas present from TxDOT, the City, the Port and American Bank to their friends and neighbors in the Coastal Bend," said Al Jones, Chairman of American Bank, "I'm excited because this is a one-of-a-kind project."
"Working together, breaking down barriers, and thinking long-term about the greater good of the community, this partnership accomplished something that we could not have done on our own," Corpus Christi Mayor Joe Adame said. "This is just a great way to finish off the Harbor Lights festivities."
John A. Casey, P.E., District Engineer for the TxDOT Corpus Christi District said the lighting was done in conjunction with an on-going bridge maintenance project. "This is a project in which the entire community can be very proud," Casey said. "A bridge lighting project like this has never been tried before and it will highlight the Coastal Bend for 10 years until a new bridge replaces it with even more sparkle."
Port Commission Chairman Mike Carrell said the project puts the "sparkle" back in the Sparkling City by the Sea. "The Port and Port Industries believes that not only do we want to make our community an attractive trading partner, but we want to build a vibrant community that is the envy of the state and nation," Chairman Carrell said.
The project is designed by contract to last 10 years with responsibility of maintenance and operation of the lights jointly by the City and the Port. TxDOT hopes to have a new bridge to replace the Harbor Bridge in the next 10 years.
Texas League Stories from November 29, 2011
- Let There be Light - Corpus Christi Hooks
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