Port Galveston got a USD 3,75 million Texas state grant for a new internal roadway planned to improve shipping traffic and cruise port access between 14th and 20th streets.
The TxDOT (Texas Department of Transportation) awarded Rider 38 Grant as part of the Port Access Program for 2019-2020.
Works on the USD 5 million project are planned to start in August 2021 and to be completed in 2022-Q4. It is a section of an internal roadway that will run through the port property from 14th Street to 53rd Street. USD 1,25 million (the balance of funds) will come from the cruise port's operating revenue.
Rodger Rees (Port Director and CEO) said that was a priority project identified in the port’s 20-Year Strategic Master Plan to support their business growth. Rees added they were grateful to TxDot for awarding them the grant and acknowledging the importance of the Port Access Program.
For the past 3 sessions, the General Appropriations Act of the Texas Legislature has included budget riders that authorize USD 100 million for projects to improve access to Texas maritime ports. The funds come from the Texas Mobility Fund or other eligible sources. Projects receiving funding are selected by the Port Authority Advisory Committee and approved by the Texas Transportation Commission.
This is the 2nd Rider Grant that Galveston Wharves has received. In 2018, the port was awarded over USD 1 million from Rider 48 to repave, widen and install drainage on OPIR-Old Port Industrial Road between 29th and 33rd streets as well as to repave and install drainage on 33rd Street between OPIR and Harborside Drive.