89R14849 HMR-D
By: Huffman S.R. No. 126
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;
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, 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, and it currently ranks
among the top ports in the United States for foreign waterborne
export tonnage and chemicals; in addition, the port is one of the
largest petrochemical and energy ports in the nation, and it
encompasses facilities for top leaders in the chemical, aviation,
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 to be completed in 2025; the $295
million project includes the widening and deepening of the Freeport
Harbor Channel to depths ranging from 51 to 56 feet, which would
make 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 and
demonstrated 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 Senate 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 Senate.