Freeport Can Play Key Role in Expanding State's Economy, Report Says

FREEPORT, TX -- The recently completed interim report of the Senate Select Committee on Texas Ports demonstrates Port Freeport is poised to help Texas reap the trade and economic benefits of the newly expanded Panama Canal, said Highway 36A Coalition Chairman Andy Meyers.

The report, commissioned by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, was released late last year and documents the capabilities of Texas ports, including Port Freeport - and the infrastructure improvements needed to enable Texas to accommodate expanded trade activity through the canal. Findings of the select committee's report regarding Port Freeport include:

• 2014 cargo tonnage at Port Freeport was 22,883,000 with an estimated annual economic impact of $46.2 billion.
• 16,400 direct jobs and 16,400 induced jobs are credited to port activity.
• Port Freeport is the only Texas port with congressional authorization for channel deepening to 55 feet - deep enough to handle the larger Neo-Panamax container ships.
• Port Freeport is one of just two Texas ports with an LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) export terminal project under construction.
• The Panama Canal expansion is expected to boost exports of natural gas from the Gulf Coast to markets across the globe.
• LNG exports are described as the "next big thing" in the Texas economy. According to one study, LNG exports will
  • Create 155,000 jobs in Texas by 2035
  • Generate $31.4 billion in income in Texas by 2035

"Our vision for the Highway 36A trade corridor, of which Port Freeport is an integral part, strongly correlates with the report's findings, and shows we are on the right path to creating a significant positive impact on the Texas economy as we move this corridor project forward," Meyers said.

For more information about the coalition call 281-732-7118 or email Debbie Thelin at Debbie@36Acoalition.org.

Press Release Produced by The Fredricks Group

The Highway 36A Coalition promotes development of free-flowing north-south coridor through Brazoria, Fort Bend and Waller counties that would use portions of existing SH 36. The proposed highway would help alleviate congestion in the Houston region, promote economic development through enhanced access to the Port of Freeport free-flowing traffic, and enhance hurricane evacuation efforts for the region.

Photo courtesy of Highway 36A Coalition