Port Houston Receives $25 Million Grant for Agriculture and Community Improvements
Port Houston has received $25 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD). The grant, part of the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), will support Port Houston’s “Agriculture Export Improvement and Community Resilience Project.” This funding is aimed at improving the efficiency, safety, and resilience of port operations, while also benefiting the surrounding community in various ways.
“This project will enhance the efficiency of U.S. grain exports, improve air quality by reducing dust and truck emissions, and benefit neighboring communities through stormwater improvements,” said Charlie Jenkins, Port Houston CEO.
One of the main components of the project is the substantial upgrade to the grain elevator, which plays a critical role in the movement of agricultural products. The current grain elevator infrastructure is outdated and struggles to meet growing demand. With the planned upgrades, Port Houston will install a new high-efficiency grain truck receiving system, a more streamlined truck loadout system, and an advanced outbound conveying system. These changes are designed to significantly reduce the time required to load vessels, cutting the loading time of a 30,000-ton vessel by 75%. As a result, the throughput capacity of the grain elevator is projected to increase from 700,000 tons per year (TPY) to 2,100,000 TPY. This increase in capacity will not only make the export process more efficient but also provide an estimated economic benefit of approximately $255 million to the local community by enabling faster, more cost-effective grain transportation.
Reducing emissions and improving air quality are other key objectives of the project. Currently, heavy-duty trucks are used to transfer outbound products to the ship berths, which contributes to both noise and air pollution in the surrounding area. By upgrading the grain elevator’s infrastructure and eliminating the need for these trucks, Port Houston expects to reduce overall emissions by 32%, which translates to approximately 13,710 tons of emissions over a 30-year period. Additionally, a new high-efficiency dust collection system will be installed, replacing the old baghouse system. This dust collection system will not only capture more particulates but will also integrate explosion suppression systems for improved safety. The reduction in dust emissions will directly benefit residents and workers in nearby neighborhoods, contributing to cleaner air and better overall health outcomes.
The project also includes significant stormwater infrastructure improvements. Port Houston will work on enhancing stormwater drainage systems, focusing on expanding channel outfalls and increasing the capacity to handle current and projected stormwater flows. This community-led drainage project will help direct stormwater away from residential areas, thereby reducing the risk of flooding and stagnant water accumulation. These improvements will contribute to a healthier and safer environment for the surrounding community by minimizing waterborne health risks and promoting more efficient water flow during heavy rainfall events.
These planned improvements are being carried out in partnership with elevator lessee Hansen Metro Elevation, which is affiliated with Hansen-Mueller Co., a longstanding user of Port Houston facilities. Nautilus International Holding Corporation is also playing a role as a collaborative participant in this initiative. These collaborations highlight Port Houston’s ongoing commitment to working with stakeholders to bring about positive community and economic impacts. By modernizing key infrastructure, Port Houston aims to reinforce its role as a vital link in the supply chain for agricultural exports, while also prioritizing environmental quality and community resilience.