AUSTIN, Texas - Port Mansfield and the Port of Brownsville are the beneficiaries of a decision by the state Legislature to provide more funding for Texas maritime ports.

At a recent Texas Transportation Commission meeting, Travis Milner, a section director for TxDOT, spoke about the maritime funding programs his division runs.

“Three funding mechanisms are available to Texas seaports that tie directly to the Texas Port Mission Plan. (There is) $40 million through the Seaport Connectivity Program, which was established in 2015. (There is) $200 million for the Maritime Infrastructure Program,” Milner said.

Milner also mentioned that $400 million will be available through the Ship Channel Improvement Revolving Fund. 

“These last two, the Infrastructure and Ship Channel are new programs funded by the 88th Legislature,” Milner said.

He explained to TTC commissioners that funding through the Seaport Connectivity Program and Maritime Infrastructure Program are available for consideration. As for the Ship Channel Improvement Revolving Fund, Milner said TxDOT is Miller looking forward to receiving applications from Texas sea ports. He said he would come back to the TTC commissioners at a later date on the Ship Channel Improvement Revolving Fund.

“So in 2023, the 88th Legislature approved Rider 37 to TxDOT’S appropriation in the General Appropriations Act for the Seaport Connectivity Program, which was formerly known as the Port Access Improvement Program,” Milner said. “This Rider authorizes TxDOT to allocate $20 million in each fiscal year of the 24-25 biennium for projects to address port connectivity, safety and congestion needs.”

Milner said the Port Authority Advisory Committee has selected and recommended a final list of projects for TTC approval. He said these include eight projects totaling $20 million for fiscal year 2024 and 11 projects totaling $20 million for fiscal year 2025. 

Eight of these projects will total $4.4 million and are on the state highway system, Milner said. He said these will be administered by TxDOT. Meanwhile, 11 of the projects totaling 35.6 million are “off system” and will be administered as grants to local governments.

“Recommendations include projects such as truck queuing improvements, roadway elimination and drainage improvements, and intersection improvements such as widening access ways,” Milner said. “Staff recommends approval.”

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