Port Freeport

The committee agenda includes discussions regarding a proposal from the Goodman Corporation for the 2026 PIDP Grant Application, a resolution to authorize an Advance Funding Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation, and a contract extension for KM&L audit services. Additionally, an executive session is planned to deliberate on real property matters, specifically concerning the potential purchase, exchange, or lease of property located at various berths and parcels at Port Freeport.

The regular meeting, conducted via video/teleconference due to public health guidelines, included several key items. The Commission received an update on legislative affairs from Carriage House Partners, LLC. Executive staff provided reports covering 2020 achievements, notably the Freeport Harbor Channel Improvement Project receiving federal funding and progress on the Velasco Container Terminal Expansion. Financial reports for December 2020 were reviewed and approved, including the successful award of GO bonds. An update on operations noted record vessel calls and increased RoRo traffic in 2020. A modification to the Professional Services Agreement with Moffatt & Nichol for construction oversight of the Velasco Terminal Berth 8 & 9 project was approved, extending services by 22 months. The session concluded with an Executive Session to discuss potential litigation and real property matters concerning various parcels and berths within Port Freeport.

The key discussion topics for the Port Commission meeting included receiving updates from the Lone Star Harbor Safety Committee, receiving an update on the procurement of gantry cranes, and receiving reports from Executive Staff on various port affairs, including financial results and operations. Major action items involved the approval of the Oath of Office and Surety Bonds for newly elected Commissioners Barbara Fratila and Kim Kincannon, and the election of Officers for the Port Commission for the 2023-2025 term. The Commission approved a construction contract with McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. for the Port Wide Pavement Repairs 2023 project. Furthermore, the Commission adopted a resolution approving amendments to the Port Freeport Investment Policy. A significant discussion addressed the elimination of eligibility for commissioners to receive employee medical, dental, and vision benefits, which was subsequently approved effective July 1, 2023. The Commission also directed staff to develop plans regarding the 2023 Tax Rate, specifically modeling a zero tax rate and a rate 50% less than the No New Revenue Tax Rate. Finally, the Commission agreed to establish a standard procedure to move to one regular commission meeting per month on the 4th Thursday, with the 2nd Thursday available for special meetings, and appointed Commissioners Giesecke and Kincannon as liaisons to the City Council of Freeport.

The regular meeting included several staff reports covering administrative affairs, financial results, engineering updates, and operations statistics. Key discussions included funding secured for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers due to the passage of the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, potential impacts of upcoming severe winter weather on vessel schedules, and the acquisition of Red Hook Terminals by Amports. Engineering reported on completed projects and ongoing work for the FM1495 TxDOT project. Operations noted that December vessel and tonnage statistics were slightly ahead of the prior year, and the new cranes' commissioning was nearing completion. Business Development reported on gearing up for the Q1 conference circuit and updates on the PIDP grant applications. Decisions made included granting a Temporary Dredge Material Placement Area Easement to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through December 31, 2045, approving a deductive Change Order No. 1 for the Rider 37 Roadways Project, approving an Economic Impact Study by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute not to exceed $87,000, approving a budget of $44,000 for the 2026 IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show participation, approving a new Stevedore License for Red Hook Terminals following the ownership change to Amports, and approving early travel requests for the AAPA Annual Convention in September 2026. The session concluded with an Executive Session covering consultation with legal counsel, security matters, economic development negotiations, real property matters, and personnel discussions.

The Special Meeting continued the November 17, 2025 Planning Workshop with a comprehensive safety update. Key discussions included the port's safety performance metrics for fiscal year 2025, which showed zero recordable injuries and a 29% decrease in safety violations. Focus areas for upcoming safety productivity include daily communication, targeted training, project and cargo planning, traffic management, and recognition enforcement. Staff detailed ongoing safety measures such as fire suppressant systems, rescue container training, and project cargo coordination. High-activity safety concentration areas were identified, and 2026 safety projects were outlined, including evaluating and upgrading signage and ensuring safety equipment readiness. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to consult with the attorney regarding pending litigation and to deliberate on security matters, including personnel deployment and security audits.