On Tuesday, the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority met for its June monthly meeting. Port Commissioner Dean Corgey, presiding at the meeting, opened by sharing an account of the significant community outreach conducted during the year. “Through the month of May, nearly two thousand members of neighboring communities have been engaged through multiple forums, including community events, workshops, and meetings,” he shared.

I’m happy to see so much engagement with the community members who live near the Channel,” said Commissioner Corgey. “We care deeply about our neighbors and work hard to be a strong pillar of the community.”

That list of meetings included those Port Houston hosted, with representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and local communities and advocacy groups participating.

Following the commission meeting, the Community Relations Committee reviewed more detailed information on Port Houston’s community outreach work, including its Community Grants and Maritime Education programs, and support of greenspace improvements in area communities totaling $2 million over four years.

Further demonstrating its commitment to investment in community stewardship, the Community Relations Committee approved $400,000 in grant funding directed to 19 local non-profits and cities. These programs, which closely align with Port Houston’s outreach priorities, will have a meaningful impact on residents in local communities. See the 2024 Community Grant Recipients listed here.

During the regular commission meeting, Executive Director Roger Guenther also reiterated Port Houston’s focus on the well-being of those who live and work near the Channel. “We will continue to engage with community members on the work we do here at the port, ensuring that your voices are heard, and your concerns addressed,” he said.

Guenther also highlighted the second annual Inclusive Procurement Day held earlier this June. More than 250 attendees networked with Port Houston staff and prime contractors at the event, learning about the Port Houston procurement process and how to get certified as a Port Houston vendor.

The Executive Director also announced that the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Transparency Stars program has recognized Port Houston as a local government that “goes above and beyond in transparency efforts.” The program acknowledges government entities that provide clear and meaningful financial information by posting financial documents, summaries, visualizations, downloadable data, and other relevant information.

Finally, Guenther shared that the Houston Ship Channel Expansion – Project 11 continues to make good progress and that Port Houston’s business overall remains strong. See the latest cargo volume news here.

The next Port Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 22, at 9:15 a.m.
Source: Port of Houston