|
|
|
R E S O L U T I O N
|
|
WHEREAS, The Port of Victoria has become a vital Texas |
|
transportation hub that encourages commerce, creates jobs, and |
|
enhances the overall prosperity of the state and its citizens; and |
|
WHEREAS, Connected to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway by the |
|
Victoria Barge Canal, the Port of Victoria is ideally suited for |
|
intermodal shipments, with ample facilities for loading and |
|
unloading materials and ready access to ground transportation |
|
routes; and |
|
WHEREAS, This southeastern Texas gateway began operation in |
|
1968, after the 35-mile-long barge canal was constructed; in 1995, |
|
work began to widen and deepen the shipping artery to the parameters |
|
of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and this project was completed |
|
in 2002, making the Port of Victoria an even more versatile and |
|
practical transshipment point; and |
|
WHEREAS, Combined with other facilities along the canal, the |
|
port helps generate $1.2 billion in annual revenue and $52 million |
|
in state and local taxes; in addition, more than 6,000 jobs are |
|
related to the shipment of goods in and out of the Victoria Barge |
|
Canal, with 2,500 workers gaining their livelihood from operations |
|
directly related to the port; and |
|
WHEREAS, The Port of Victoria stands as one of the most |
|
valuable centers along the Texas coast for barge transport, which |
|
has been proven a cost-effective and energy-efficient means of |
|
moving materials, and this thriving marine terminal has become a |
|
significant element in the economic well-being of the Lone Star |
|
State; now, therefore, be it |
|
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 80th Texas |
|
Legislature hereby honor the Port of Victoria for the valuable |
|
contributions it makes to the State of Texas and commend the many |
|
individuals who play a role in the activities of this shipping |
|
facility. |