AUSTIN, Texas - Port Mansfield and the Port of Brownsville are the beneficiaries of a decision by the state Legislature to provide more funding for Texas maritime ports.
At a recent Texas Transportation Commission meeting, Travis Milner, a section director for TxDOT, spoke about the maritime funding programs his division runs.
“Three funding mechanisms are available to Texas seaports that tie directly to the Texas Port Mission Plan. (There is) $40 million through the Seaport Connectivity Program, which was established in 2015. (There is) $200 million for the Maritime Infrastructure Program,” Milner said.
Milner also mentioned that $400 million will be available through the Ship Channel Improvement Revolving Fund.
“These last two, the Infrastructure and Ship Channel are new programs funded by the 88th Legislature,” Milner said.
He explained to TTC commissioners that funding through the Seaport Connectivity Program and Maritime Infrastructure Program are available for consideration. As for the Ship Channel Improvement Revolving Fund, Milner said TxDOT is Miller looking forward to receiving applications from Texas sea ports. He said he would come back to the TTC commissioners at a later date on the Ship Channel Improvement Revolving Fund.
“So in 2023, the 88th Legislature approved Rider 37 to TxDOT’S appropriation in the General Appropriations Act for the Seaport Connectivity Program, which was formerly known as the Port Access Improvement Program,” Milner said. “This Rider authorizes TxDOT to allocate $20 million in each fiscal year of the 24-25 biennium for projects to address port connectivity, safety and congestion needs.”
Milner said the Port Authority Advisory Committee has selected and recommended a final list of projects for TTC approval. He said these include eight projects totaling $20 million for fiscal year 2024 and 11 projects totaling $20 million for fiscal year 2025.
Eight of these projects will total $4.4 million and are on the state highway system, Milner said. He said these will be administered by TxDOT. Meanwhile, 11 of the projects totaling 35.6 million are “off system” and will be administered as grants to local governments.
“Recommendations include projects such as truck queuing improvements, roadway elimination and drainage improvements, and intersection improvements such as widening access ways,” Milner said. “Staff recommends approval.”
TTC commissioner approved the recommendations with little comment, although Commission Steven D. Alvis did say: “I have a couple of remarks. I think this is long overdue. I went down just after the opening of the Panama Canal and the amount of ships that… it's cheaper to come into our ports and go up through Central US and feed the heartland with containers… it is getting much cheaper than if they come in through LA/Long Beach. And so the growth down there (at the Panama Canal) is only going to continue. So, this is long overdue. And I'm in full support this.”
Earlier in the TTC meeting, state Sen. Robert Nichols, chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation, spoke about the additional funding provided to maritime ports. Nichols is a former member of the TTC.
“It was a fantastic year for transportation this session, in the 88th, and when I say transportation, I mean many forms of transportation, not just the roadways,” Nichols said.
Nichols said he wanted to emphasize maritime and aviation funding in particular.
On maritime, he said: “In addition to historic amount of funding for TxDOT was the ports and waterways that are so vital not only to our state but to the nation.”
Nichols said: “I know that as we tried to work on how can we help ports, how can we help the waterways… so often before we ran into a brick wall. We call it inside the gate and outside the gate of the ports. And so we had funding that we started dedicating six years, eight years ago, for outside the gate, so you could have access for trucks in and out a whole lot easier. And that helped those ports quite a bit. But they needed help inside the gate.”
Nichol added: “Adding a couple of hundred million (dollars) inside the gate, that is the first time. It is the first time. And $400 million to fund the waterways. We passed that legislation more than a decade ago and never put a dime in it. But this year, we stepped up and put that in there.”
Two members of the public gave their wholehearted support for the additional funding that will go to the maritime ports.
Glenna Bruun, executive director and CEO of the Texas Ports Association, said: “This is very long overdue. Today is a historic day for Texas ports of which TPA represents 20.”
Bruun said the seaports TPA represents vary in size as well as commodity and tonnage. She said they all “make a significant impact to their communities, to their employment opportunities and to the economic development and success of our state.”
Bruun pointed out that Texas ports represent 25% of the state's GDP and 25% of the nation's maritime commerce.
“We connect Texas to the world. Today, with this new funding, you have ensured that Texas ports, or hopefully will ensure Texas ports, are able to continue to sustain, grow, and outpace other ports across the world. This is wise planning for the future of Texas.”
Bruun said she wanted to thank the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker. She said they all believe that investing in Texas ports will produce a return far exceeding the imaginable.”
She said TPA also wants to thank Chairman Nichols and state Rep. Terry Canales, chairman of the House Committee on Transportation. She said they are “our greatest champions in the Legislature.”
Bruun also wanted to thank all the state legislators who represent Texas seaports as well as those legislators across the state “who understood how Texas ports impact every single county and every citizen of our state as well as the nation.”
Bruun also thanked TTC and TxDOT’s maritime division for their “forward thinking as we prepare the state for continued growth in demand.”
Bruun added: “It's a truly monumental day that will secure Texas largest economic engine and we plan to do good work and make you proud and come back and ask for more next time. On behalf of the 20 ports that are members of the Texas Ports Association, thank you for your leadership and support of Texas ports.”
Chris Fisher, port director and CEO of the Port of Beaumont, echoed the remarks of Bruun.
Fisher said the Seaport Connectivity “Program and, more particularly, the Maritime Infrastructure Program, are truly historic.
“This $200 million that has been allocated to ports will allow for funding for true port projects that are inside the gate. And so we're very appreciative of that,” Fisher said.
He said the TTC has “wisely allocated” the monies.
“Pretty much any port that had a qualified project in the Port Mission Plan will receive funding, from Orange to Brownsville. There’s about 13 ports that will receive funding under this program and with your approval today.”
Fisher said that with the state investment, Texas ports would be able to leverage more monies through matching funds.
“Once these projects get into operation, there'll be a significant amount of positive economic impact that will help the state as well,” Fisher said. “So, this funding is an historic move that allows the ports to continue to play a key role in the development strategy of our state and we look forward to sharing our progress with you on these projects as we move forward. Thank you for your consideration.”
State Rep. Janie Lopez of San Benito was not at the TTC meeting. But she did advocate for Port Mansfield. She said she helped secure a “remarkable” $8.7 million for Port Mansfield’s Bulkhead Repair project. She said this will enhance the port's infrastructure and efficiency significantly.
"This investment underscores the state's dedication to strengthening our maritime infrastructure,” Lopez said. “It not only promotes economic growth but also guarantees the safety and efficiency of our ports.”
Lopez said she also played “a crucial role” in the Port of Brownsville's expansion, securing $11.5 million for Bulk Cargo Dock No. 3 Rehabilitation and Expansion project. She said this funding marks a milestone for her community, fostering local business opportunities and job creation.
“I am immensely proud of the hard work and dedication that has gone into securing these vital funds,” Lopez said. “This investment will not only bolster our local economy but also create new opportunities for businesses and job seekers alike.”
Editor's Note: Here is a podcast featuring the remarks of Sen. Nichols, Glenna Bruun, and Chris Fisher about maritime funding at the Texas Transportation Commission meeting:
