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Ports Infrastructure Improvement
Senate Bill 28
Texas ports are responsible for more than 30 percent of the Texas gross domestic product and are integral to the Texas manufacturing and energy miracle that sustained the Texas economy through the depths of the economic downturn. However, Texas ports and manufacturing face an unprecedented competitive threat as ports in neighboring states are beating Texas in the race to improve their depth and infrastructure to meet the opportunities created by the new, deeper Panama Canal.
Channel projects occur only once in every few decades. However, they are extremely expensive. Generally, Texas navigation districts are expected to pay the non-federal share without state assistance. While other States have fewer ports and often support their ports with direct appropriations to fuel their economic engine, Texas ports are entirely self-supporting. Even with the unprecedented need for billions of dollars of infrastructure investment, Texas ports have indicated they are prepared to meet the challenge.
Senate Bill 28 lays the groundwork for ports financing options in the future. Click here to read more about SB 28.
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