Omar Garcia

The Pilot Board reviewed and recommended to the Governor the renewal of expiring Branch Pilot licenses for Captain Kate E. Fossati and Captain John L. Edwards. Additionally, the board received a report regarding the activities of the Application Review Committee, which included an update on the status of applications for the Deputy Pilot Pool.

This Environmental Policy outlines the Port of Corpus Christi Authority's commitment to being an environmental leader by mitigating impacts, preventing pollution, and undertaking stewardship initiatives. The policy focuses on key areas including Air Quality, Water Quality, Soils & Sediments, Habitat, Resilience, Resource Efficiency, and Climate Action. It aims to achieve performance targets such as reducing idling hours, improving water quality, protecting sediment, promoting diverse habitats, optimizing resource consumption, and supporting global emissions reduction targets. The policy serves as a strategic imperative guiding operations and development to support the Port's vision as the Energy Port of the Americas.

The board meeting addressed the appointment of two candidates to the Aransas-Corpus Christi Pilot Deputy Branch Pilot Training Program, specifically Captain Blake Callihan and Captain Jake Fuller. Additionally, the board received the Aransas-Corpus Christi Pilot Work Hours Visual Inspection Report for the first quarter, which confirmed that the pilot association was in compliance with mandatory rest period requirements, noting only a minor overage caused by traffic-related delays.

The Port Commission discussed various agenda items, including the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the year ended December 31, 2025, and an update to the Environmental Policy. The meeting involved awarding multiple construction and maintenance contracts related to the Southside Marine Center, Viola Turning Basin Bulkhead Improvement Project, Cargo Docks 14 and 15, and Oil Dock 2. Additionally, the commission approved service agreements for engineering and cybersecurity services, farm and agriculture leases, and an amendment to a right of way agreement. The Chief Executive Officer provided reports on community events and department activities, and a performance bonus and employment agreement amendment for the CEO were approved following an executive session.

The agenda for the meeting included administering the Oath of Office to Port Commissioners and electing officers for 2020, followed by appointments to Standing and Special Commission Committees, and appointments to Governing Boards and Committees of Outside Organizations. Presentations covered updates on the new Harbor Bridge from TXDOT, hydrodynamic modeling studies for Ingleside-on-the-Bay, a 2019 energy market review, and an overview of PCCA Geographic Information Systems developments. Open Agenda items involved approving contracts for Storm Water Master Plan engineering services, purchasing a new generator system for the New Port Office Facility, and adopting a resolution for a Consulting Services Contract for an Environmental Impact Statement. The Consent Agenda featured approvals for data collection equipment purchase, amendments to engineering services contracts, change orders for terminal upgrades, a Temporary Road License Agreement, a Lease Agreement for construction offices, and an Easement Agreement for fiber optic service. The Commission also planned to discuss legal matters, real property acquisition/leasing, and economic development incentives in an executive session.