Vol. 8, No. 11 April 2024

Anchoring Growth

Port Awarded $1.1M for Vessel Suitability and Feasibility Project

The Port of Brownsville's 17-mile-long ship channel is a bustling hub of activity. The port offers ocean-going vessel service and barge service via the U.S. Intracoastal Waterway System.

The Port of Brownsville was recently named the recipient of $1,116,279 in funding from the federal government for its Port of Brownsville Vessel Suitability Analysis and Feasibility project.

Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced the award Mar. 22, as part of $15,622,100 in Community Project Funding for the 34th Congressional District of Texas.

"By passing this final tranche of long-awaited funding bills, the U.S. House of Representatives has avoided a devastating and unnecessary partial government shutdown and provided vital funding for our region," said Congressman Vicente Gonzalez in a press release. "I am proud to deliver millions of dollars to improve roads and drainage, support local law enforcement, and increase economic development in South Texas."

The Vessel Suitability Analysis and Feasibility project is essential to plan and prepare infrastructure improvements at the port. The project will evaluate a range of nonstructural and structural options to support and increase the port’s capacity to accommodate larger vessels efficiently and safely contributing to a greater economic impact.

"Congressman Vicente Gonzalez time and time again continues to deliver for the Port of Brownsville and the people of South Texas. By securing the crucial funding for major infrastructure projects, we continue building towards a brighter future with thoughtful and strategic planning. Our Vessel Suitability Analysis and Feasibility project seamlessly aligns with our ongoing efforts to sustain safe, reliable, and effective infrastructure so that businesses continue to thrive," said Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra. "On behalf of the Brownsville Navigation District, we extend our gratitude to Congressman Gonzalez for his steadfast dedication to the port, our industries, and the communities we serve."

Major infrastructure projects in progress at the Port of Brownsville include the construction of a 118-acre business park to support the industrial and manufacturing industries of the Rio Grande Valley as well as the Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project to deepen the Brownsville ship channel from its current 42 feet to 52 feet.

Photo courtesy of the Office of the Governor

From Left to Right: Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, and Texas A&M University Regent Mike Hernandez III, break ground at the 22-acre site for Texas A&M’s advanced manufacturing training facility at the Port of Brownsville.

Texas A&M Facility to Enhance Advanced Manufacturing

Governor Greg Abbott joined leaders from the Rio Grande Valley and the Texas A&M University System at a groundbreaking ceremony held April 2, for a new 30,000-square-foot South Texas Workforce Development Project advanced manufacturing training facility at the Port of Brownsville.

The center will offer programs provided by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX).

"This new state-of-the-art facility here at the Port of Brownsville will train Texans to lead the workforce of tomorrow," said Governor Greg Abbott. "Students here will be prepared for in-demand jobs and receive hands-on instruction on real-world projects that are often encountered by workers on the job. They will get the experience and training they need to excel in cutting-edge manufacturing jobs here in the Rio Grande Valley and throughout Texas. Texas is the economic engine of America, where workers know that they live in a state where they can gain the skills necessary to help build the future. I am proud to be here today to celebrate the new South Texas Workforce Development Project as we continue to build an even bigger, better Texas."

Port Talk: Maritime Advantage Fosters Industriee at the Port

With its strategic location, efficient multi-modal logistics and expanding infrastructure, the Port of Brownsville continues to attract diverse industries. Listen to Interim Director and CEO William Dietrich provide an update on developments at the port on KURV 710 AM.

Enbridge to connect Permian Basin Natural Gas to Gulf Coast

Editor's Note: This article was originally featured at www.msn.com

Pipeline giant Enbridge Inc. has signed a deal to form a joint venture to help connect Permian Basin natural gas to liquefied natural gas export terminals on the U.S. Gulf Coast.

The Calgary-based company in March said it will partner with global investment manager I Squared Capital and U.S. pipeline firms WhiteWater and MPLX LP.

The new joint venture will develop, construct, own, and operate natural gas pipeline and storage assets connecting the Permian (a major oil-and-gas field located in western Texas and southeast New Mexico) to growing LNG and U.S. Gulf Coast demand.

The Canadian company currently supplies natural gas to five operating LNG export facilities on the U.S. Gulf Coast and has previously said it is interested in expanding its export strategy through further acquisitions in the region.

Under the deal, Enbridge will contribute to the joint venture its proposed Rio Bravo pipeline project — which would transport natural gas to an LNG export facility currently being constructed by developer NextDecade at the Port of Brownsville — as well as $350 million in cash. Enbridge will also fund the first $150 million of the post-closing capital spending to complete the Rio Bravo project.

BROWNSVILLE NAVIGATION DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS

Chairman

Vice Chairman

Secretary

Commissioner

Commissioner

PORT OF BROWNSVILLE ADMINISTRATION

William Dietrich

Interim Port Director & CEO

Port Administration

Ph: 956.831.4592 / 800.378.5395

Fax: 956.831.5006

www.portofbrownsville.com

CALENDAR

April 17

BND Board Meeting

April 22-27, 29-30

Early Voting

May 1

BND Board Meeting

May 4

Election Day

May 10

Mother's Day (Mexico)

May 12

Mother's Day

May 15

BND Board Meeting

May 16

Port of Brownsville's 88th Anniversary

May 22

National Maritime Day

Texas LNG Announces LNG Offtake Agreement with Gunvor Group

Editor's Note: This article was originally featured at www.yahoo.com

Texas LNG Brownsville LLC 's proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal to be constructed in the Port of Brownsville, has signed a Heads of Agreement with Gunvor Group through its subsidiary Gunvor Singapore Pte Ltd. for a 20-year LNG FOB sale and purchase agreement for 0.5 MTPA of LNG from Texas LNG.

"We’re thrilled to welcome Gunvor to our portfolio of customers, connecting Texas LNG, one of the lowest-emitting liquefaction facilities in the world, with global economies in need of reliable, sustainable energy," said Brendan Duval, CEO and Founder, Glenfarne Energy Transition and Co-President of Texas LNG.