SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 126
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 State of Texas, 89th
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 from
the Texas Senate.
Huffman
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 25, 2025.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate