Port of Houston Authority Approves Contract to Rehabilitate Barbours Cut Wharves 1 and 2 — Interim Executive Director Waterworth Reports Good News, Core Business Running Well
Houston, Texas (PRWEB) March 01, 2012
The Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority has approved a professional services contract with Jacobs Engineering Group for the rehabilitation of wharves 1 and 2 at Barbours Cut Container Terminal, among a host of matters decided during the Port Commission’s Feb. 28 regular meeting.
In his first monthly report, Interim Executive Director Leonard D. Waterworth said January was a strong month. Total tonnage for January 2012 was up 27 percent year-over-year at Port Authority facilities, he said. This was driven by an increase in steel of 235,000 tons, or 97 percent, and growth in container tonnage of 111,000 tons, or eight percent.
“Our core business is running very well,” Waterworth said. Operating revenue for January was $ 17 million, a $ 1.6 million or 10 percent increase from prior year, he noted.
Cash generated by Operations increased by 15 percent over the prior year to $ 6.1 million for January 2012. This offset January’s capital expenditures and commitments, leaving net funds available for capital projects of $ 220.4 million, equal to that available on Dec. 31, 2011, according to Waterworth.
Growth in operating revenues led to net operating income of $ 1.6 million, an increase of 165 percent over prior year, he said. Non-operating receipts of $ 0.5 million, primarily from federal grant funds and state road projects, added to the $ 1.6 million net operating income, resulting in net income of $ 2.1 million to the Port Authority for January, a 200 percent increase over prior year.
On behalf of the Port SupPORTers, volunteers who donate their time to Port Authority activities, Dana Blume, Manager, Environmental Affairs, presented the President’s Volunteer Service Award to the Port Commission. Ten Port Authority volunteers, who gave more than 4,000 hours of service last year, received the award, including Nena Armstrong, who was named 2011 Volunteer of the Year by dedicating more than 70 hours of service to Port Authority activities alone.
The national award is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. Established in 2003, the award is available annually to those who have demonstrated exemplary citizenship through volunteering. As one of thousands of Certifying Organizations participating in the award program, the Port Authority confers it to recognize the outstanding achievements of its volunteers.
ENGINEERING & REAL ESTATE
(Agenda H-1) The Port Commission approved a professional services contract with Jacobs Engineering Group for the rehabilitation of wharves 1 and 2 at Barbours Cut Container Terminal. The contract involves upgrading the existing wharves to support larger wharf cranes to meet future needs for larger ships serving the region. Jacobs Engineering will assist in the planning and permitting, complete the design and prepare plans and specifications for construction. Additional geotechnical, surveying and environmental tasks may be included in the scope of work.
EXECUTIVE
(Agenda G-1) The Port Commission approved adopting the proposed Bylaws of the Port of Houston Authority of Harris County, Texas, following a recommendation by the Governance Task Force. In order to aid the efficient and transparent conduct of Port Authority affairs, on May 24, 2011, the Port Commission formally designated five standing Port Commission task forces, including the Governance Task Force. Its charter calls for the task force to develop and recommend to the Port Commission polices or procedures relating to the governance of the Port Authority. This includes the mandate to develop and recommend to the Port Commission bylaws setting forth rules and procedures for conducting the business of the Port Commission. The bylaws include provisions regarding Port Commission powers, duties and meetings, Port Commission officers, Port Authority contracts, indebtedness, banking, investments, audits and budgets, Port Commissioner indemnification and other matters.
OPERATIONS
(Agenda K-6) The Port Commission approved amending Tariff Nos. 8, 14 and 15 to provide for a gate security charge when security is required at certain gates not regularly staffed, effective March 1, 2012. Certain gates at the Turning Basin, Barbours Cut and Bayport terminals are not regularly staffed under the Port Authority’s gate security contract. When these gates require staffing, the Port Authority must order security at the overtime rate set forth in its gate security contract.
CONTACT:
Bill Hensel, Manager, Corporate Communications
Office: (713) 670-2893, Cell: (832) 452-5776, E-mail: bhensel(at)poha(dot)com
Lisa Ashley, Director, Corporate Communications
Office: (713) 670-2644, Cell: (832) 247-8179, Email: lashley(at)poha(dot)com
About the Port of Houston Authority
The Port of Houston Authority facilitates commerce, navigation and safe waterways promoting sustainable trade and generating economic development for the Houston region, Texas and the nation, while being a model environmental and security steward, and a community-focused and fiscally responsible organization.
For more information, please visit http://www.portofhouston.com.
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