Clear Lake Shores cut the ribbon Friday, Sept. 4, on its rebuilt Shell Bottom Park Boat Ramp, a project fully funded by state grant money that cost the city nothing.
State Rep. Greg Bonnen and his legislative colleagues appropriated the funding to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), which then awarded a construction grant covering 100% of the build, according to the city's announcement. Clear Lake Shores was not required to put up any matching funds.
The ramp is now open.
Bonnen, a neurosurgeon who chairs the Texas House Appropriations Committee and represents House District 24, which includes portions of Friendswood and other parts of Galveston County, according to Community Impact, helped steer the state dollars to TPWD for the project.
The effort spanned two rounds of state grants and two sets of city leaders. Previous city officials initiated the project and applied for the original design grant. The current mayor, city council and administration finalized that design grant and then secured the separate construction grant approval. The city credited both groups for shepherding the ramp from concept to completion.
The Clear Lake Shores Economic Development Corporation (EDC) provided early funding that got the project moving before the state grants came through. The city described the EDC's role as laying the groundwork for the development.
Shellmark Engineering handled the design and worked directly with TPWD to land the grant. Texas Gulf Coast Construction served as the primary contractor and delivered the finished facility. The city called the project an example of collaboration across multiple administrations and partners.
Shell Bottom Park sits along the Clear Lake waterfront, and the rebuilt ramp gives boaters an upgraded public launch point on the lake. Residents can access the facility at Shell Bottom Park in Clear Lake Shores.
Upcoming community events
- Friday, Sept. 4: Space Center Houston hosted a Labor Day family overnight experience.
- Check the City of Clear Lake Shores website for upcoming park and waterfront programming.
