Galveston Pay-To-Park Systems Fails Short Of Seawall Funding Goal

GALVESTON, Texas (AP) — A policy that charges motorists to park along a popular coastal road has led to a shortfall of more than $300,000 that taxpayers must make up.

Galveston city officials in August implemented a fee for seawall parking that's generated nearly $200,000 in revenue. But it costs $550,000 to operate the system, in which drivers pay online or by using a smartphone.

Assistant City Manager Brian Maxwell tells the Houston Chronicle it's too early to judge the program. He says the numbers represent a "small portion of our busy season."

Voters approved paid parking in a 2011 referendum with the understanding that fees would cover various services.

Planners had estimated the project would earn $1.55 million, which would cover $1.16 million in operating costs and leave $390,000 to spend on the seawall.

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