Vol. 4, No. 11, April 2020
The annual event recognizes the port industry's role in efficient goods movement, job creation and propelling the economy in nations they serve across the Americas..
Commemorating the Fifth Annual Western Hemisphere Ports Day
BY JOHN REED, CHAIRMAN,
BROWNSVILLE NAVIGATION DISTRICT

April 5th marks the fifth annual Western Hemisphere Ports Day, which recognizes the port industry’s key role in creating logistics and manufacturing jobs and propelling the economy in nations they serve across the Americas. Usually, this date marks celebrations across a number of coastlines showcasing all the great work people in our industry are doing, but we are well aware these are not normal times. Rather than stopping to celebrate, the Port of Brownsville is working hard to maintain safe and responsible essential operations. This work supports local, regional and national priorities while ensuring we continue to be an economic engine for the Rio Grande Valley, helping provide essential goods and services to power our local economy.

While the current crisis is unprecedented, challenging situations are not. Over the last several years, the Port of Brownsville has made strategic investments to diversify its cargo matrix to withstand geopolitical influences and the ebbs and flows of the global economy to best help drive growth, spur job creation and remain a strong community partner.
COVID-19 Update:
Port of Brownsville Remains in Service
Dear Colleagues and Business Partners,

In recent weeks, governments at the local, state and federal level have taken specific actions to curb and limit the spread of COVID-19. As of today, more than 100 million Americans have been ordered to stay home to protect public health.

At the same time, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued guidance on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers during the COVID-19 pandemic – which specifies trade, transport and logistics as essential industries.

The Port of Brownsville, and especially the Brownsville Navigation District, accepts its responsibility and recognizes the importance of our port remaining operational to support national, regional and local priorities during this difficult time.
BND Election Deferred to November
The Brownsville Navigation District (BND) Commission at a special telephonic meeting held March 27, unanimously approved the deferral of the previously scheduled May 2nd commission elections until November 3rd – coinciding with other local, state and federal elections – as a further step to safeguard the community from the potential spread of the coronavirus.

The deferral will safeguard poll volunteers and the voting public, and is pursuant to a proclamation of the Governor of Texas and a related advisory issued by the Texas Secretary of State.
New Truck Parking Lot Meets Demand
The Port of Brownsville opened a new truck parking lot to all port users on March 30th.

The parking lot will accommodate the increased volume of trucks and tanker trucks doing business at the port. Traffic has jumped to almost 1,300 trucks a day.
CARES Act to Assist Small Businesses
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed by President Trump March 27, includes programs and initiatives intended to assist small businesses with current needs and issues created due to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn.

"Under the CARES Act, President Trump took historic action, making available hundreds of billions of dollars in an expedited manner to provide immediate financial relief for small business owners across the country," said Small Business Administrator Jovita Carranza.

The SBA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have released guides providing information and resources about these major programs the federal government has established to help small businesses cover the cost of retaining employees, apply for grants to cover current operational costs, among other resources.
BROWNSVILLE NAVIGATION DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS

Chairman

Vice-Chairman

Secretary

Commissioner

Commissioner
PORT OF BROWNSVILLE ADMINISTRATION

Port Director & CEO


Contact Us:
Ph:  956.831.4592 / 800.378.5395
Fax:  956.831.5006
CALENDAR

April 5
Ports Day 2020

April 8
Passover Begins

April 10
Good Friday Port Offices Closed

April 12
Easter Sunday

April 15
BND Board Meeting

May 6
BND Board Meeting

May 10
Mother's Day

May 20
BND Board Meeting

May 25
Memorial Day Port Offices Closed
Annova, Enbridge Partner for LNG Project
Annova LNG on Jan. 22nd signed a Precedent Agreement with Valley Crossing Pipeline, LLC (VCP), providing transportation for Annova LNG’s total natural gas requirements at its proposed 6.5 MTPA liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility at the Port of Brownsville.
Under the agreement, the existing Valley Crossing Pipeline from Agua Dulce to Brownsville will be expanded along with the construction of an approximately nine-mile lateral connecting VCP to Annova LNG’s facility.

In February, Annova signed a long-term lease agreement with the Port of Brownsville for more than 700 acres for the construction of its proposed LNG facility.
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