Sen. Cruz Applauds Efforts to Improve Port Infrastructure and Support Disaster Recovery in Texas

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement applauding the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration announcement allotting $10 million in grants to the state of Texas to enhance critical port infrastructure to support business development and disaster resiliency following Hurricane Harvey. According to grantee estimates, the projects combined are expected to create and retain nearly 16,000 jobs and spur almost $46 million in private investment. 

“Hurricane Harvey’s 135 mph winds and historic flooding left the Texas Gulf Coast, including the ports of Port Arthur and Beaumont, with 250 miles of devastation," said Sen. Cruz. "Through the funding provided by Congress to the Department of Commerce in the disaster relief funding bill passed earlier this year, and with the support of federal, state, and local partners, Port Arthur and the Port of Beaumont continue making strides down the road to recovery. In the face of this destruction, Texans continue to stand united as we rebuild the Gulf Coast stronger than ever before.”

The EDA investments announced today are:

• The Port of Beaumont Navigation District in Beaumont will receive $5 million to reconstruct three docks in support of the Main Street Terminal 1 Dock Project. The improved infrastructure will support additional cargo, resulting in increased economic activity and business growth for the region. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create or retain 15,760 jobs, while generating $9.8 million in private investment.  
• The Port of Port Arthur Navigation District receive $4.8 million to make rail, storm drainage and roadway improvements to increase capacity and promote economic resiliency in the Southeast Texas Region. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create or retain 200 jobs and generate $36 million in private investment.

These projects were made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the South East Texas Regional Planning Commission. EDA funds the South East Texas Regional Planning Commission to bring the public and private sectors together to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs. 

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