PORT ARANSAS, Texas - There is cause for celebration.  It was reported yesterday that Governor Perry has signed into law HB 2276 which amends the State Tax Code to include Port Aransas along with Galveston and South Padre Island in the cities to which special state hotel tax allocations apply.  

Simply put, Port A will now receive a portion of the State's Hotel Occupancy Tax Revenue to clean and maintain public beaches.  This will provide an ongoing revenue stream that will help the City fund beach maintenance operations and assist with erosion response projects.  Initial estimates suggest that this could provide the City of Port Aransas with $350k annually and that number is expected to grow over time.

The State Comptroller's website reflects the change and the new policy is effective on July 1, 2009.