Port Houston has been awarded a $25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD) for its "Agriculture Export Improvement and Community Resilience Project." This funding, part of the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), will support significant upgrades to enhance grain export efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve community resilience.
Key project highlights include:
Grain export enhancement:
- Upgrading the Port Houston grain elevator to increase throughput capacity from 700,000 to 2,100,000 tons per year
- Installing a new high-efficiency grain truck receiving system and more efficient truck loadout system
- Implementing a new outbound conveying system capable of loading a 30,000-ton vessel with a 75% reduction in loading time
- Projected $255 million economic benefit for the local community
- Providing 1,329 more farms access to global markets
Environmental improvements:
- Reducing emissions by an estimated 32% (13,710 tons) over 30 years
- Installing a new high-efficiency dust collection system with integrated explosion suppression
- Eliminating heavy-duty trucks for outbound product transfer, improving air quality for nearby residents and workers
Community resilience:
- Implementing community-led stormwater drainage projects
- Increasing stormwater capacity with improved channel outfalls
- Enhancing community health and safety by minimizing stagnant water
Charlie Jenkins, Port Houston CEO, emphasized the project's significance: "This important project will improve the efficiency and competitiveness of United States grain exports, improve air quality by reducing dust and truck emissions, and support neighboring communities through stormwater improvements."
The project will be carried out in collaboration with Hansen Metro Elevation, affiliated with Hansen-Mueller Co., and Nautilus International Holding Corporation.
This substantial investment in Port Houston's infrastructure underscores the port's commitment to enhancing its global competitiveness while prioritizing environmental sustainability and community well-being. As one of only eleven large PIDP grant projects selected nationwide, this initiative positions Port Houston at the forefront of modernizing U.S. port infrastructure to meet future challenges in global trade and climate resilience.
