Port Receives Grant for Infrastructure Projects

(August 4, 2005) – The Port of Beaumont has received more than $ 7.6 million in earmark funding as part of H.R. 3, The Transportation Bill approved by Congress in late July.

The six-year bill provides $ 286 billion for federal highway, transit and safety programs throughout the United States.

U.S. Representative Judge Ted Poe, (District 2, Texas) presented a symbolic check for $7,686,400 to Port of Beaumont commissioners and Executive Port Director David C. Fisher Wednesday, August 3.

                                     A BNSF Railway Company locomotive provides the backdrop on port

                                     tracks as U.S. Representative Judge Ted Poe, right, presents the port

                                     a symbolic check for infrastructure improvements. From left, are David

                                     C. Fisher, executive port director, commissioners H.M. “Henry” Nix, Jr.,

                                     Georgine Guillory, Lee E. Smith, C.A. “Pete” Shelton and Nell Clark. 

The check represents the funds appropriated by Congress for two projects at the port:

• Southside Intermodal Improvements -- $ 5, 190,400

This project will provide improved access and operational capabilities for the Port of Beaumont, including infrastructure modifications and expansion of facilities for direct intermodal interchange, transfer and access.

• Northside Intermodal Improvements -- $ 2,496,000

This project is for development and construction of an access road connecting Interstate 10 to port-owned property on the north bank of the Neches River.

The port has previously received more than $ 7 million for rail infrastructure improvements under a federal program designed to promote air quality and congestion reduction.  Planned intermodal improvements at the port, including the northside and southside projects, are valued in excess of $ 19 million.

The southside project will provide rail holding tracks and loading ramps and increase the port’s railcar storage capacity by about 75 percent.  Operational efficiencies and security will be enhanced by relocating all of the interchange tracks from a small, unsecured rail yard north of the port to expanded facilities in the terminal.

Executive Director David C. Fisher thanked both Congressman Poe and Congressman Kevin Brady (District 8, Texas) for their hard work and support in placing the earmarks for funding the projects in the transportation bill.   Brady represents the area that includes Orange County, where the northside project is located.

Fisher said the funds provided under the federal transportation bill will have the following benefits to the port:

• Enhance the port’s capacity for railcars

• Improve the port’s ability to handle military cargo

• Enhance security for military and other cargo

• Increase the efficiency of port operations

• Make downtown riverfront property available for commercial  development

• Provide significant growth opportunities for development of the port’s north bank property in Orange County

The Port of Beaumont has direct service by the BNSF, Union Pacific and Kansas City Southern railroads. 

Construction on the first phase of improvements could begin by the end of this year.