Government officials met in Port Isabel Tuesday, calling for the area affected by Saturday's bridge collapse to be named a disaster area.
Barges crashed into Queen Isabella Causeway, which connects South Padre Island to the mainland of Port Isabel, killing at least five people and leaving four missing.
Texas Sen. Eddie Lucio, D--Brownsville, urged Gov. Rick Perry to declare Cameron County a major disaster area, allowing the region to receive emergency federal funds.
"By the grace of God and the dedication of public officials like yourself, we will help the people affected by this terrible tragedy and rebuild their lives and businesses," said Lucio in a letter to Perry.
Gov. Perry's office failed to return phone calls Tuesday.
Aid to the area was already granted by Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Rylander, who issued a 90--day postponement for South Padre Island businesses to pay state taxes.
But local businesses experienced a sharp drop in tourism shortly after the collapse, said Nancy Friese, executive director for the Port Isabel Chamber of Commerce.
"There will be horrific layoffs," Friese said.
But Tim Goodman, general manager for the Sheraton Fiesta Beach Resort, said the hotel is hoping to retain all employees.
"We are aggressively putting the word out that South Padre Island is open for service," he said. "The only difference now is that we have a ferry service rather than driving across a bridge."
Yet, despite tourism promotions, the hotel's business has been significantly slower than usual, Goodman said.
He said the hotel has received cancellations primarily because there was a misconception that there was no access to the island.
"We saw a few uncertainties," Goodman said. "But now we are having people call, and asking how they are going to come across. "
A ferry system of volunteers using personal boats has been set up between the island and the mainland and is limited to people and baggage only, Friese said. She added that vehicles are parked in a secure area in Port Isabel.
Paul Munarriz, property manager for Padre Grand Properties, was one of the volunteers transporting tourists, employees, and some of the 2,000 residents living on the island.
"My boat has been a great taxicab," Munarriz said. "I just responded to the calls, anybody needing a ride. They are pretty organized now with the ferry. I just occasionally shuttle people over."
Officials expect a ferry transporting vehicles to and from the island to be operational within two days, Friese said.
Aside from vehicle transport, the island is completely operational, Friese said. Businesses have propane supply and trash pickup, and shuttles are available for tourists to get around while on the island.
"We are trying to encourage people to come and not be leery about it," she said.
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