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Gov. Greg Abbott paid a visit to the Port Houston offices on Tuesday where he met with Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority Ric Campo, Executive Director Roger Guenther and Houston Ship Channel leaders from the energy and petrochemical industries, per press releases from the port and the Office of the Texas Governor.
According to port officials, Abbott, a Republican, was briefed on the port’s $1 billion Project 11 channel widening efforts and other matters of concern.
The governor said that the port hugely attributed to the Lone Star State’s economy.
"Texas is proud to be the nation's No. 1 exporting state for 20 years in a row, and we're beating our competitors in other states because of the efficiency and effectiveness of Port Houston," he said in the release from his office. "Texas' economy is booming, but our state – and Port Houston – could unleash its full economic potential if the federal government would get out of the way and rollback unnecessary regulations.”
Abbott added that his administration will continue to work with energy leaders in an effort to protect jobs.
Per the port’s release, Guenther stressed that the Houston Ship Channel is where “nearly 50% of Texas’ waterborne tonnage” passes through from other corners of the world.
The port added that Abbott was impressed with its fast-growing container volume that surpasses those of the other major U.S. ports.
Houston Daily reported in June that work has commenced on Project 11.
Citing Houston CBS affiliate KHOU, the publication reported that the expansion is expected to boost the economy in the Houston area to the tune of $134 million.
"This project will enable Port Houston to continue to grow and respond effectively to whatever the future demand supply chain has to offer," Guenther said in the report.