A dry dock from the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Beaumont Reserve Fleet could create hundreds of jobs when it moves to the Port of Port Arthur, port commissioners said Friday after reaching an agreement to take the asset.
Raymond Johnson, port board chairman, said acquiring the dry dock has been a goal of the port for more than five years.
“It’s an economic development initiative for us. Getting the dock would increase the district’s tax base and create local jobs,” Johnson said.
The dry dock, capable of lifting 15,000 tons, will be owned by the port and operated by Gulf Copper & Manufacturing Corp., a shipyard based in Port Arthur.