June 3, 2003

Washington, DC - An exhaustive report dealing with environmental concerns indicates the Port of Houston's continued commitment to Harris County residents to be a good neighbor during and after this proposed expansion. The Army Corp of Engineer’s final environmental impact statement regarding the Bayport Container and Cruise Terminal Facility puts us one step closer toward constructing a state of the art terminal that would incorporate the most rigorous environmental safeguards.

 

The port’s commitment to the environment regarding the Bayport project includes the permanent protection of 163 acres of coastal wetlands, stringent containment and treatment of stormwater runoff, and fewer air emissions than were originally budgeted for in the clean air plan. The port’s proposal was carefully analyzed by the Corps, who probably set a record for thoroughness on an environmental impact statement. But in the end, the more comprehensive the study, the more data examined, and all the added scrutiny only ensure that this project will be environmentally sound.

 

When completed, the Bayport Container Terminal can provide enormous economic benefits to the Houston area including the creation of 12,000 good-paying jobs over the next 10 years.

 

It amazes me to realize that the port first applied for the Bayport permit in 1998 and the project was approved by Harris County voters in 1999. Since then, the port has gone the distance to make sure all voices were listened to during this process.

 

Having represented the port area for many years in Austin and Washington, D.C., I have watched the port make continuous efforts to be a good neighbor. I have witnessed it protect the environment during projects such as the widening and deepening of the Houston Ship Channel. The Corps’ environmental impact statement shows that the Bayport project will be planned and constructed with the same level of environmental and civic commitment.

 

Houston and Harris County are a major hub of American commerce. The Bayport Container Terminal will not only enhance this vital economic status, but it also will protect the environment.