Corpus Christi pastor signs contract for $189K to build foundation for giant cross

The Rev. Richard "Rick" Milby believes a 230-foot cross will bring anywhere from 150,000 to 200,000 people to Corpus Christi every year.

That's three times more than Fiesta de la Flor's final tally last year.

At a Monday morning event, Milby signed an engineering contract between Abundant Life Fellowship Church Foundation and Ambrose Construction, Ltd. for $189,000.

This first step is for construction of the foundation of a giant cross at Carbon Plant Road and Interstate 37, across from Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery. The plans have been designed by Govind Development, LLC.

There are plans for a baptistery and prayer structure, with an Alamo-like facade, he said.

RELATED: Pastor asks for city's help with Corpus Christi Cross project

At a recent City Council meeting, Milby said the cross, measuring just over 200 feet in height and 95 feet wide, would be the tallest cross in the United States upon completion. Early estimates suggest the entire project will cost about $1 million.

Nearly $1,000 has been discounted from permitting fees because it is a church-based project, according to Bill Green, interim director of development services for the city.

But Milby has asked the City Council to consider waiving future fees associated with the project. It would require four city council members' approval to put the item on agenda for upcoming discussion.

The pastor called on those in attendance to call their council representatives and tell them to support putting the item on city council's agenda.

Monday's event was scheduled at 11:30 a.m. during the lunch hour for council members Carolyn Vaughn and Lucy Rubio, who were in attendance.

"I think it's wonderful for Corpus Christi — we are the 'body of Christ,' " Rubio said. "I think it will be beautiful — very good for our city."

Vaughn said she would abstain from bringing an item concerning the cross to council because she attends Abundant Life Fellowship.

RELATED: Man sues Corpus Christi pastor over tall cross

Milby found the proposed site for the cross two years ago but the project was stalled by a lawsuit brought by Patrick Greene, of San Antonio.

Greene said Milby violated state law by inviting Rubio, Vaughn and then-mayor Nelda Martinez to the groundbreaking in 2016.

Greene eventually dropped the lawsuit, but lawyers from First Liberty Institute, which represented Milby, sought sanctions and attorney fees from Greene.

Twitter: @reporterjulie