October 2, 2023 - TRA Newswire -
The Victoria County Navigation District has received a TXDOT Maritime Infrastructure Program (MIP) Grant to fund the first phase of a rail infrastructure project at the Texas Logistics Center (TXLC).
Phase 1 of the project will begin in the first quarter of 2024 and take 12 months to complete. It will involve adding over 42,000 feet of track, including the construction of three 10,000-foot drop and pull tracks. Subsequent phases will include storage tracks, transloading operations, and connections to new tenants. Upon completion, TXLC will be served by the Union Pacific and BNSF railroads.
Robby Burdge, Chairman for the Port, stated “This is the largest grant the Port has ever received, and we are extremely thankful for the financial contributions and teamwork from both our state and local partners, which have made this project possible. Our recent hard work and improvements have paid off, with multiple green energy projects expressing interest in Victoria. This project will further solidify our position as an industry leader for years to come.”
This project has the potential to propel the Port two decades into the future, spurring new business, benefiting current tenants, and incentivizing the potential projects currently under consideration. The $26.4 million-dollar project is coming to fruition thanks to the $20,355,494 grant from TXDOT, in collaboration with Victoria County and the Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation, both of which are contributing $3 million dollars each to fund the project.
Both Victoria County Judge Ben Zeller and Mayor Jeff Bauknight expressed their enthusiasm for partnering with the Port on this endeavor. Judge Zeller stated, “The Port has always had a great return on investment for our community by consistently bringing in new jobs and businesses. Commissioners’ Court puts a high value on building our local economy and we saw this project as another great opportunity to do just that.” Mayor Bauknight stated, “The city prioritizes interlocal collaboration to attract new industries and enhance local infrastructure. This project fulfills those objectives, and the Sales Tax Development Corporation views it as a solid commitment to our city’s future.”
In addition to the MIP Grant, the Port will also receive funding for the North Site Access Road and Transloading Project through the TXDOT Seaport Connectivity Program (SCP). The total project cost is $1,977,922, with the grant covering $1,566,757.
In total the Port will receive over $27.9 Million in grants, has over 610 acres under option and are currently engaged in advanced negotiations with projects for an additional 175 acres.
Photo credit: Victoria County Navigation District