SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 126
         WHEREAS, Port Freeport is celebrating the 100th
  anniversary of its founding in 2025; and
         WHEREAS, The port traces its history to the early 1820s,
  when Stephen F. Austin first recognized the potential of the
  Brazos River as a deep-water port and selected the area for his
  own colony; the region became a hub for economic activity, and
  following a recommendation from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
  the Brazoria County Commissioners Court held an election to
  establish the Brazos River Harbor Navigation District, divert
  the Brazos River, and construct a bridge over the Diversion
  Channel; the district was officially established in December
  1925, and the Diversion Channel was completed four years later;
  the first public dock facilities were constructed in 1936; and
         WHEREAS, Following the passage of Texas House Bill 542 in
  2007, the Brazos River Harbor Navigation District was renamed
  Port Freeport; since its inception, the port has grown to become
  a strategic gateway for international trade, and it currently
  ranks among the top ports in the United States for foreign
  waterborne export tonnage and chemicals; in addition, the port is
  one of the largest petrochemical and energy ports in the nation,
  and it encompasses facilities for top leaders in the chemical,
  aviation, agriculture, and automobile industries; and
         WHEREAS, Port Freeport has significantly contributed to
  the state and national economy, generating an annual economic
  impact of $157.3 billion and sustaining more than 266,000 jobs
  nationwide; the port has driven economic growth through
  infrastructure investments such as the Freeport Harbor Channel
  Improvement Project, which is scheduled to be completed in 2025;
  the $295 million project includes the widening and deepening of
  the Freeport Harbor Channel to depths ranging from 51 to 56 feet,
  which would make it the deepest port in Texas; moreover, in
  September 2024, the Port Freeport Commission voted to adopt a
  zero-tax rate, enabling the port to operate as a self-reliant
  entity with no tax assessment; and
         WHEREAS, Over the past century, Port Freeport has played an
  important role in the economic vitality of the State of Texas and
  demonstrated a steadfast commitment to sustainability, innovation,
  and operational excellence, and it is indeed fitting to join the
  people of Brazoria County in celebrating this important milestone
  in the port's rich history; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th
  Legislature, hereby commemorate the 100th anniversary of Port
  Freeport and extend to all those affiliated with the port sincere
  best wishes for continued success; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
  prepared for Port Freeport as an expression of high regard from
  the Texas Senate.
 
  Huffman
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on February 25, 2025.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate