The Port Authority plans to undertake significant infrastructure improvements in the next few years to ensure that the Port of Houston can accommodate the advent of larger vessels and increased cargo resulting from the pending Panama Canal expansion in 2015, as well as the expected future demographic growth in the region.
“ Maintaining and improving efficiency at the public terminals through more modern facilities and equipment is essential to meeting one of our mandates – to promote and facilitate commerce to benefit not only our local partners, but also Texas and the nation, ” they announced.
For 2014, the Port Authority has identified capital improvement needs of about $325 million. Approximately $283 million relates to continuing development at Bayport and modernization at Barbours Cut, including railroad projects at Barbours Cut and channel development projects at both container terminals.
Another $26 million will likely be used for concrete repair, wharf rehabilitation and other projects at the general cargo and bulk terminals in the Turning Basin area.
The balance of the 2014 capital budget covers a variety of projects, including building renovations, information technology, engineering, fire department, and port security.
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Press Release, January 8, 2014