Port Houston Blog

Sharon Tirpak, Deputy Chief of Project Management of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Galveston District provided a presentation on the ongoing Texas Coastal Protection and Restoration Feasibility Study. She highlighted the study’s Houston-Galveston area at the March 7 Waterways Utilization meeting for the Lone Star Harbor Safety Committee.

Port Houston's Emergency Manager Colin Rizzo received the Lou Harrell Emergency Manager of the Year Award at the Emergency Management Association of Texas (EMAT) Symposium in San Marcos, Texas, March 7. The award recognizes and honors a member whose comprehensive emergency management program epitomizes the best in Texas emergency management practices.

Senate Bill 28, which focuses on financing of ports, was filed in the Texas State Legislature Monday, March 6. Port Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther, President of the Texas Ports Association (TPA), provided a statement on the legislative action:

Port Houston welcomed five representatives of Nigeria’s National Assembly for a briefing during their U.S. study mission Mar. 3. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s office arranged for the delegation to visit Port Houston to gain insight about the role of ports, maritime commerce, international business and the economic relationships between the U.S. and Texas and the world.

The Port of Houston Authority has been awarded another Certificate of Distinction for its investment policy by the Government Treasurers' Organization of Texas (GTOT). The Port Authority first received a certificate in March 2013, and a renewal certificate in 2015. The latest Certificate is valid for a two-year period through February 2019.

After more than two years of feasibility study, Houston Fuel Oil Terminal Company has optioned and committed to build a new ship dock #5, adjacent to the Houston Ship Channel, under a 30-year lease with the Port Authority.

Commissioner Rodney Ellis visited the Port of Houston Feb. 23 for a briefing and tour. Ellis recently joined the Harris County Commissioners Court as Commissioner for Precinct One after having served the Houston area for 25 years in the Texas Senate.

Port Houston recognized the 10-year anniversary of the Bayport Container Terminal this February. Owned and operated by the port, the Bayport Container Terminal is considered the most modern and environmentally friendly container terminal on the U.S. Gulf Coast today.