In 2015, the Port of Houston Authority has budgeted $275 million for various capital improvement projects. About $184 million is being allocated to its container terminals for continuing development of Bayport and modernization at Barbours Cut, and another $35 million is for improvements at the Turning Basin’s general cargo and bulk terminals.
The remaining 2015 capital budget funds will be used for railroad improvements, channel development, port security, building renovations and information technology.
Significant infrastructure improvements planned during the next few years are aimed at accommodating the arrival of larger vessels and increased cargo resulting from the pending Panama Canal expansion as well as regional population growth. Ongoing expansion along the Houston Ship Channel likely will trigger an increase in plastic resin exports.
Maintaining and improving efficiency at the public terminals through more modern facilities and equipment is essential to meeting the Port Authority’s mandate to promote and facilitate commerce.