Dear Friends of the Port,
The Port of Brownsville is leading the charge for economic development in the Rio Grande Valley and northern Mexico.
With important private and public projects on the horizon, this year, the Port of Brownsville is moving forward with its most ambitious developments yet, thanks in part to the visionary leadership of the Brownsville Navigation District (BND) Board of Commissioners.
The BND and I are proud to maintain a strong financial record for transparency and stewardship, allowing us to invest in extending the life of the port. Notably, our operating revenue for 2022 exceeded $30 million for the third consecutive year, reaching more than $38 million. This allows us to invest in essential infrastructure that solidifies the port’s international standing as an important component in the supply chain logistics.
As port customers and tenants continue to thrive and expand, infrastructure upgrades are more critical than ever. In 2022, the port handled 15.2 million tons of cargo, a figure that is expected to keep climbing in the coming years. Our rail partners at Brownsville & Rio Grande International Railway, operated by OmniTRAX, finished 2022 strong, moving 72,616 railcars throughout the year. According to current estimates, 2023 will be another record-breaking year for cargo movement by rail thanks to the success of port tenants and customers.
Work on the port’s Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project has begun. The project, a public-private partnership that includes the port, NextDecade and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will deepen the ship channel from 42 to 52 feet, resulting in significant navigational safety improvements for commercial shipping in South Texas.
Recently, we celebrated the groundbreaking of a 118-acre business park designed to meet the growing demand for industrial developments in the area. We anticipate that the operations at the business park will contribute to the upward trend of activity, encouraging sustainable growth among our existing industries and at the same time opening the door to new business partners.
Looking ahead, the Port of Brownsville remains dedicated to fostering growth and prosperity. We are steadfast in our pursuit of excellence, aiming to establish even stronger connections with our partners and stakeholders.
Together, we will continue to unlock the immense potential of our port and ensure a bright future for all.
Thank you.
Editor’s Note: The above guest column was penned by Esteban Guerra, chairman of Brownsville Navigation District. The column first appeared in the Port of Brownsville’s 2023 Directory. It appears in The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service with the permission of the author. Guerra can be reached by email via: jmontero@portofbrownsville.com.
