The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit is the latest milestone in the Port of Brownsville's effort to deepen the ship channel from 42 feet to 52 feet, resulting in significant navigational safety improvements for commercial shipping in South Texas.
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Port of Brownsville Achieves Significant Milestone in Channel Deepening Project
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The Port of Brownsville is closer to deepening the Brownsville Ship Channel after receiving a key permit June 6 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to advance the Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project (BIH) to its construction phase.
The USACE permit is the latest milestone in the port’s effort to deepen the ship channel from 42 feet to 52 feet, resulting in significant navigational safety improvements for commercial shipping in South Texas.
"Today we find ourselves on the verge of a new economic era for the Rio Grande Valley and the channel deepening is essential for our continued progress and success," said John Reed, Brownsville Navigation District Chairman. "These crucial infrastructure projects solidify our presence in the global market and create better economic opportunities for our local workforce."
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The audit reviewed the district's financial statements and figures, which reflected an increase in total operating revenue and tonnage for the Port of Brownsville for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018.
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Independent Audit Confirms Record Year
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The Brownsville Navigation District’s (BND) annual independent audit confirmed record operating revenues and tonnage for fiscal year 2018.
The audit reviewed the district’s financial statements and figures, which reflected an increase in total operating revenue and tonnage for the Port of Brownsville for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018. The total operating revenue was $24,209,767. This marks a 4 percent increase from the 2017 fiscal year. Total tonnage for the 2018 fiscal year also met and surpassed records, registering 11.3 million short tons, an increase of 6.6 percent from fiscal year 2017.
"The Port of Brownsville is a consistent model of excellence. We are making important financial decisions that have positive returns. This audit reflects our commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility," said John Reed, BND Chairman.
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New Edition of Port Directory Now Available
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The newest edition of the Port of Brownsville's award winning directory is available now! You can read the full digital version on our
website,
or follow the link to request a free mail-in copy.
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Father Mark Watters blesses the fishing vessels during the annual blessing at the port's fishing harbor July 6, 2016.
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Fishing Harbor to Celebrate Blessing
of the Fleet
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In July, Texas celebrates America’s freedom and prays for excellent shrimp.
Peak shrimp season opens at the Port of Brownsville with the annual Blessing of the Fleet July 9 at 10 a.m. at the port’s Fishing Harbor.
Fishermen work year-round to supply the ever-growing appetite for this highly sought out seafood product, but as the waters across the Texas Gulf warm up, so does the opportunity for bounty and peril. Each year, fishermen and their families gather at the port to pray for a good harvest and the well-being of all shrimpers while at sea.
The port’s fleet catches approximately 13 million pounds of shrimp each year with an estimated value of $72 million, as reported by the Brownsville-based Texas Shrimp Association. The local shrimp industry supports 1,400 jobs in Cameron County.
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More than 60 attendees participated in the Building, Workforce, Training Workshop held June 26 at the BND Commission Chambers.
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Chancellors from Texas A&M and TSTC visit
Port of Brownsville
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John Sharp, Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System and Mike Reeser, Chancellor and CEO of TSTC, met with local trade schools, universities and
economic development corporations to discuss the educational and training needs of the Rio Grande Valley workforce June 26.
Employers also attended the workshop and commented on the need for soft skills training and practical experience. The Building, Workforce, Training Workshop took place at the Brownsville Navigation District Commission Chambers. More than 60 attendees participated in the event.
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Port leadership pose next to state leadership during the Building, Workforce, Training workshop at the BND Commission Chambers. From left to right: Eduardo A. Campirano, Port Director & CEO; Julian Alvarez, Texas Workforce Commissioner; Senator Eddie Lucio Jr.; Sergio Tito Lopez, BND Vice Chairman; John Reed, BND Chairman; John Sharp, Texas A&M Chancellor; Ralph Cowen, BND Commissioner; Mike Reeser, TSTC Chancellor and CEO; John Wood BND Commissioner.
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BROWNSVILLE NAVIGATION DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS
Chairman
Vice-Chairman
Secretary
Commissioner
Commissioner
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PORT OF BROWNSVILLE ADMINISTRATION
Port Director & CEO
Contact Us:
Ph:
956.831.4592 / 800.378.5395
Fax:
956.831.5006
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July 9
Texas Shrimp Association's Blessing of the Fleet at the Fishing Harbor
July 10
BND Board Meeting
July 24
BND Board Meeting
July 30-31
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The channel deepening project is a megaproject chosen by the USACE to test the public-private partnership model.
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Channel Deepening a Megaproject
for USACE
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The Port of Brownsville Brazos Island Harbor Improvement
Project was selected by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of a pilot program to test the public-private partnership (P3) funding model.
The agency will use the program to determine if P3s can deliver cost savings and faster
turnaround times.
The program is part of the Revolutionize USACE Civil Works initiative to streamline the delivery of U.S. infrastructure projects through innovation.
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The Port of Brownsville is taking no chances and preparing to ease access for all cargo trucks, ensuring the safety of its customers and stakeholders.
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Road Improvement Project Complete
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The Port of Brownsville completed an important road improvement project that strategically supports future expansion of cargo operations.
The road enhancements include the improvement of many of the port’s primary routes. The surfaces of Old SH 48, Milo Road, and Callaway were treated with a new layer of pavement. High traffic areas were also rebuilt with asphalt pavement. Other areas along Foust Road, Interstate Highway SH 550, Bill Reed Road and three railroad crossings received new concrete pavement. Other improvements include new road signs, and striping for certain roads.
The total capital investment of the improvements was $2.3
million. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) contractually agreed with the Port of Brownsville to fund $939,741 (39 percent) of the project. The port covered the additional costs.
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