But Port Aransas residents made it clear they would be pushing back against the project every step of the way.

Port commissioners voted Thursday to authorize a lease with Lone Star Ports LLC for the marine storage terminal. More than 30 Port Aransas residents were on hand at the meeting, with several voicing their opposition to the project.

"This is a roll of the dice, a gamble we should not take," said Kimberly Smith, a realtor in Port Aransas. "Do we have the right to do that with the creation God gave us?"

The commission's vote on Thursday is a milestone for the a project that was announced just a year ago to accommodate the full loading of Very Large Crude Carriers. The lease now will be executed to allow the project to move forward.

Ferris Hussein, managing director of global infrastructure and energy opportunities for The Carlyle Group, spoke about the company's plans for the project. The Carlyle Group is one of the members of the Lone Star Ports Ventures, with the other Berry Lone Star Ports LLC.

"The pledge I make to everybody in this room — to the commission, to the residents of Port Aransas and Corpus Christi — is that we want to engage with you." he said. "We will always do right by you."

This is a developing story. Check back for updates here: https://www.caller.com/story/news/local/2019/03/28/ports-approves-lease-build-crude-oil-terminal-harbor-island/3300543002/