The Port Authority anticipates the staff review process of the past several months will affirm its role in facilitating international commerce and its contributions to the region, state, and nation.  A recent economic study by Martin & Associates showed Port of Houston activity, which includes the Port Authority and private industry, affects more than one million Texas workers and generates $178.5 billion in annual statewide economic impact.

Once the Sunset Commission makes the staff report available to the public, the Port of Houston Authority will post the document to its website, www.portofhouston.com.

The Texas Sunset Advisory Commission review process began in mid-2011, with preparation of the Port Authority’s Self-Evaluation Report.  The most intensive part of the process began in March of this year.  Since that time, Port Commissioners and Port Authority staff have worked openly and cooperatively with the Sunset staff, as it carried out its top-to-bottom review of the organization.  The Port Authority commends the Sunset staff for the integrity, knowledge, thoroughness, and enthusiasm it demonstrated throughout the process.

Upon receipt of the report, the Port Authority has until August 17 to provide a formal response to the Sunset Commission.

Report recommendations will be discussed at a public hearing before the Sunset Commission in Austin on September 5, and the Sunset Commission will adopt a final set of recommendations November 13-14. Recommendations requiring a change in state law will be considered by the Texas Legislature during its next regular session beginning in January 2013.

The work of the Sunset staff has been a positive opportunity to comprehensively review Port Authority policies, procedures, and practices, as it enters into its second hundred years. 

“My staff and I laud the professionalism shown by the Sunset staff during this process and we appreciate staff members’ efforts,” said Len Waterworth, who was named Port Authority Executive Director in April.

As a 100-year-old government agency that creates jobs and contributes to the local economy and tax base, the Port of Houston Authority continually strives for ways to make improvements. 

For more information about the process or to view the Port Authority’s Self-Evaluation Report, please visit the Sunset Commission website at www.sunset.state.tx.us. This information is also available on the Port Authority’s website.