On top of the recent growth that we just witnessed, there is a potential multi-billion dollar investment that could further shape our community for generations to come.
The high tech advanced manufacturing company is looking at the port of Brownsville as a possible location for its new plant. An announcement is expected in the next few months.
This is not just any project. It is one that pushes the boundaries of maritime innovation, technology and artificial intelligence as we know it. I have had the opportunity to meet with their founders and executive team, and what stood out most is not just how tech-forward they are, but how people-focused they are. They would be investing in our local talent. They’re planning to take welders, pipe fitters and operators and help them become engineers in software development, AI and robotics. They plan to invest in our schools, internships and workforce training programs. And the impact is massive.
This investment has the potential to create up to 10,000 jobs, with average salaries of about $90,000 a year, expected to generate another 9,500 indirect jobs and drive more than $264 billion in economic output for Brownsville and the entire state of Texas. This investment will be on the same scale of impact as we have seen from SpaceX. However, instead of space exploration, this is an opportunity to position Brownsville at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, maritime innovation and national defense.
That is the latest we have on this. But there's more to come.
In another recent win, the Port is preparing to welcome the America First Refinery, as announced by the President of the United States. The new refinery is planning to break ground in April. It will lead the way in sustainability, as it is designed to run on clean power to produce fuels with a lower carbon footprint. That means about 2,000 construction jobs. Once construction is complete, about 500 jobs will remain permanently in our community. Salaries will exceed the median income for Cameron County.
The America First Refinery, is expected to improve the US trade balance by up to $300 billion over the next 20 years, expanding domestic refining and boosting our nation's energy security with Permian Basin shale oil.
Our partner NextDecade Rio Grande LNG is already delivering real impact. With five planned LNG trains and room to grow the project through Bechtel has a workforce of about 5,500 people, 70% of whom are from our community. Once complete, Rio Grande LNG will bring around 700 permanent jobs to Brownsville with an approximate salary of $100,000 for operational personnel.
Their impact goes beyond construction. NextDecade, has supported 175 local businesses, more than 60 community organizations, and invested millions back into our region. They've connected with 6,000 residents and counting, and have trained over 4,000 students in LNG safety. And here's true partnership. NextDecade donated $1.2 million to help purchase a new state-of-the-art fire engine for our city's fire department. That's commitment to public safety, our community's well being, well-being and testament to the One City approach. Thank you NextDecade. Let’s give them a big round of applause.
Right alongside Rio Grande LNG, we have another major project gaining momentum - the nearly $6 billion Texas LNG project. They have just finalized a turnkey agreement with Kiewit Energy Group. It is a final step before reaching an investment decision. Kiewit will handle everything from engineering and equipment to construction and commissioning, bringing this world class LNG export terminal to life. This will create over 1,200 construction jobs and more than 100 permanent jobs and an additional 3,000 indirect jobs for our local economy.
Meanwhile, the Port is contributing an astounding $11.9 billion to Texas's GDP and supporting more than 101,000 jobs, both directly in Brownsville and across our region. The Port is now handling more than 29 million tons of cargo, with $12.1 billion in exports and $10.6 billion in imports. To enhance its competitiveness, it is making its 17-mile ship channel deeper from 42 to 52 feet. It'll make room for bigger ships, faster movement, safer navigation and more global investment right here in Brownsville. Let’s give a well deserved round of applause to Port Chairman Steve Guerra, Director and CEO William Dietrich and the entire Port of Brownsville commission and staff as they celebrate 90 years of service in our community.
Editor's Note: The above commentary was provided by Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr., at his 2026 State of the City address, which was held at the Texas Southmost College Performing Arts Center on March 25.
