SR126 - Recognizing Port Freeport on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.

          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                 ________________________________          President of the Senate               I hereby certify that the     above Resolution was adopted by     the Senate on February 25, 2025.                 ________________________________          Secretary of the Senate                 ________________________________           Member, Texas Senate