89R13177 TBO-D
By: Vasut H.R. No. 297
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Port Freeport is celebrating the 100th anniversary
of its founding in 2025; and
WHEREAS, The port traces its history to the early 1820s, when
Stephen F. Austin first recognized the potential of the Brazos
River as a deep-water port and selected the area for his own colony;
over the years, the region became a hub for economic activity, and
following a recommendation from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
the Brazoria County Commissioners Court held an election to
establish the Brazos River Harbor Navigation District, to divert
the Brazos River and construct a bridge over the Diversion Channel;
the district was officially established in December 1925, and the
Diversion Channel was completed four years later; the first public
dock facilities were constructed in 1936; and
WHEREAS, Following the passage of Texas House Bill 542 in
2007, the Brazos River Harbor Navigation District was renamed Port
Freeport; since its inception, the port has grown to become a
strategic gateway for international trade, ranking among the top
ports in the United States for foreign waterborne export tonnage;
in addition, the port is one of the largest petrochemical and energy
ports in the nation and encompasses facilities for top leaders in
the chemical, crude oil, gases, agriculture, and automobile
industries; and
WHEREAS, Port Freeport has significantly contributed to the
state and national economy, generating an annual economic impact of
$157.3 billion and sustaining more than 266,000 jobs nationwide;
the port has driven economic growth through infrastructure
investments such as the Freeport Harbor Channel Improvement
Project, which is scheduled for completion in 2025; the $295
million project includes the widening and deepening of the Freeport
Harbor Channel to depths ranging from 51 to 56 feet, making it the
deepest port in Texas; moreover, in September 2024, the Port
Freeport Commission voted to adopt a zero-tax rate, enabling the
port to operate as a self-reliant entity with no tax assessment; and
WHEREAS, Over the past century, Port Freeport has played an
important role in the economic vitality of the State of Texas,
demonstrating a steadfast commitment to sustainability,
innovation, and operational excellence, and it is indeed fitting to
join the people of Brazoria County in celebrating this important
milestone in the port's rich history; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the 100th anniversary of Port
Freeport and extend to all those affiliated with the port sincere
best wishes for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Port Freeport as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.