BROWNSVILLE, Texas – April, 5, 2022 – Remaining open for business throughout a tumultuous time brought by a global pandemic and challenging world markets, the Port of Brownsville embodies the 7th Annual ‘Western Hemisphere Ports Day’ theme of resiliency and sustainability.
Today the port, in partnership with the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), commemorates the annual event that recognizes the port industry’s role in efficient goods movement, job creation and propelling the economy in nations they serve across the Americas. This year’s Ports Day theme, Resiliency & Building a Sustainable Future, explores the willpower, adaptability, and drive of the port industry, and how these qualities have continuously navigated this industry through challenging times.
Thanks to thoughtful leadership by the Brownsville Navigation District Board of Commissioners and continued investments to develop sustainable infrastructure, the port has enhanced its capabilities for the movement of goods to support industries across North America.
The Port of Brownsville ranks third among U.S. ports for “strong financial resilience” surveyed in a 2020 report issued by Moody’s Investor Services, underscoring the ongoing value of the port’s prudent financial stewardship in light of economic impacts from the worldwide pandemic. Moody’s analysis evaluated American ports on a range of key factors surrounding financial responsibility like the ability to handle the impact of a significant decline in cargo volume, financial liquidity, and debt service coverage ratio. Weighing these important factors, the analysis ranks the Port of Brownsville among the most stable in the nation and better able to weather today’s unique economic challenges.
Growth to meet the demands of industries at the port has been driven by major projects such as the recently completed South Port Connector Road, construction and rehabilitation of docks, new equipment, patios, utility infrastructure, and plans to deepen the Brazos Island Harbor Channel from its current 42 feet depth to 52 feet.
“Resilience is the outcome of our adaptability. We have proven that in the face of changing winds, we adjust our sails to keep moving,” said Brownsville Navigation District Chairman. “Activities at the port generate sustainable opportunities for our economy to thrive.”
During the annual State of the Port held March 24, port officials announced new tonnage records and robust operating revenue numbers for FY 2021. The port moved a record 13.8 million short tons of cargo in 2021, up from the previous record of 11.6 million set just a year ago, while total operating revenues were $34 million, surpassing the $30 million mark for the second consecutive year.
About the Port of Brownsville
The Port of Brownsville is the only deep-water seaport directly on the U.S.-Mexico border, and the largest land-owning public port authority in the nation with 40,000 acres of land. It transships more steel into Mexico than any other U.S. port. As the major multimodal transportation hub serving the Rio Grande Valley and northern Mexico, the Port of Brownsville supports investment opportunities and jobs. Activity at the port is responsible for adding more than $2 billion to the regional economy, $3 billion to the Texas economy, and for the creation of more than 51,000 jobs statewide. For more information, visit www.portofbrownsville.com.
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