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Port of Brownsville to Inaugurate First Cargo Dock in 16 Years
- Updated: August 21, 2015
from l to r: Sergio Lopez, Port of Brownsville Commissioner; Paul Jaenichen, U.S. Maritime Administrator; Ralph Cowen, Chairman, Port of Brownsville Board; Filemon Vela, U.S. Representative; Sandra Langley, Brownsville Chamber of Commerce; Carlos Masso, Port of Brownsville Commissioner
Congressman Filemon Vela and U.S. Maritime Administrator to help inaugurate dock
For the first time in 16 years, the Port of Brownsville (Port) is opening a new cargo dock with a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. Friday, August 7, 2015, on the dock at R.L. Ostos Road. U.S. Maritime Administrator Paul N. Jaenichen and U.S. Representative Filemon Vela Jr. will assist in inaugurating the dock.
The cargo dock, referred to as Dock 16, will enhance the Port’s expansion in its cargo handling efforts and has the versatility to keep pace with the growing demand for handling multiple commodities. Dock 16 also will serve as the Port’s second heavy-load capacity dock and increase efficiencies by eliminating or minimizing potential vessel delays.
“Last year, the Port of Brownsville set a new record of cargo movement—7.6 million metric tons,” said Eduardo A. Campirano, Port Director and CEO. “Dock 16 will allow us to increase our cargo handling capabilities and help ensure the Port continues its reputation of reliability in handling and moving cargo in a safe and timely manner. As an important economic driver for this region, our stakeholders, and especially our community, depend on us.”
from l to r: Paul Jaenichen, U.S. Maritime Administrator; Carlos Masso, Port of Brownsville Commissioner; Sergio Lopez, Port of Brownsville Commissioner; Brownsville Mayor Tony Martinez; John Reed; Port of Brownsville Commissioner; John Wood, Port of Brownsville Commissioner; Ralph Cowen, Port of Brownsville Board Chairman; Eduardo Campirao, Port of Brownsville Director/CEO
In 2014, the Port of Brownsville moved 7.6 million metric tons of steel, aluminum, lumber, minerals, grains, gasoline, diesel and windmill components internationally. Port activity adds $926.7 million to the regional economy, and more than $2 billion to the state’s economy.
More than $134 million in state and local sales tax also is generated through Port business. The Port is also responsible for the creation of 11,230 direct and indirect jobs on the regional level, and 21,590 jobs statewide.
The Dock 16 project was partially funded by a U.S. Department of Transportation TIGER Grant in the amount of $12 million. The Port contributed the remainder of the funds for a total cost of $26.2 million. The funds were used to construct the general cargo dock, road improvements and lighting.
Dock 16 was designed as a 600 ft. long heavy load dock that can accommodate deep draft (up to 39.5 feet) cargo vessels.
HDR Inc. was the engineering company of record, and the contractor for the project was Shoreline Foundation Inc.
This aerial photo of Dock 16 shows its proximity to the Port of Brownsville’s other heavy-load capacity dock.