TEXAS STATE SENATE PASSES PORT EXPANSION ACT

On March 30 the Texas state Senate passed Senate Bill 28 – the Texas Port Expansion Act – introduced by Senator Brandon Creighton (R – Conroe). The bill passed with a unanimous vote.

The legislation will provide a funding opportunity for port access improvement projects. Texas ports are in need of expansion and new infrastructure in order to remain competitive and take advantage of the benefits of the Panama Canal expansion.

“We continue to experience industrial development around Port Corpus Christi and know this growth is critical to the future success of our region and the State of Texas. We are very pleased with the support of our state legislators and will continue to work together for the benefit of our Coastal Bend region and the State of Texas” said Charles W. Zahn Jr. Port Corpus Christi commission chair.

Texas ports generate $367 billion in economic activity for the ports and the Port of Corpus Christi ranks 5th in U.S. ports in total tonnage. Strategically located on the western Gulf of Mexico with a straight 45-foot deep channel the Port Corpus Christi provides quick access to the Gulf and the entire U.S. inland waterway system. It holds the vision “to be the energy port of the Americas.”