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Port of Port Arthur receives grant that will fund expansion, create jobs.
The U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) recently awarded the Port of Port Arthur $3 million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance to increase export opportunities. The grant will support local job creation and cargo movement as it facilitates an ongoing $3.85 million project to expand the port’s capabilities.
The port received the full amount requested from the EDA. The competitive federal grant represents most of the future construction costs of the expansion project with a local cost share by the port.
“This EDA grant support is very important to the port’s growth,” said Port Director and Chief Executive Officer Larry Kelley. “The grant improves the port’s ability to efficiently handle breakbulk cargos while providing local maritime employment opportunities. The infrastructure improvements are well aligned with the grant’s goals of sustainable job creation, improved infrastructure and a response to the U.S. economic economy. These infrastructure improvements add resiliency (and) support U.S. exports, as well as imports used by U.S.-based manufacturers.
“The timing of this award is perfect! We will use these funds to support our backlands cargo laydown area as we complete our Berth 5 expansion. Our plans will go to bid for this work in the next 60 days. This project leverages other port investments, both public and private. Clearly, we are building for the future.”
“The investment by our federal partners in the Port of Port Arthur is good for our city and nation. This project supports job creation and economic development for Port Arthur,” said Norris Simon, President of the Port of Port Arthur Board of Commissioners.
About Port of Port Arthur
For over 50 years, the Port of Port Arthur has developed, owned and operated deep draft public cargo facilities on the Sabine-Neches Waterway. The port moves breakbulk, bulk, liquid energy and project cargo. For breakbulk, the port handles import/export of forest products including pulp, liner board and construction products. For project cargo, the port facilitates the construction of billions of dollars of local industrial development and the movement of military cargo. The port proudly supports the nation’s defense as a strategic seaport. The port is a multimodal facility serving deep draft, barge, rail, truck and pipeline clients. “Opportunity docks here!”