Chapter 2: Ports

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Section 1: Port Authority Advisory Committee

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Overview

Texas has 27 ports along the Gulf Coast (12 deep-draft and 15 shallow-draft). Texas has 423 miles of intracoastal waterway on which more than 70 million tons of cargo are transported each year.

Texas Legislation. During the 75^th Texas Legislative session, a bill was passed resulting in the creation of the Port Authority Advisory Committee (PAAC) to advise TTC and TxDOT on matters relating to port authorities.

Policy. Additional policy for working with ports to improve landside access is found in the Texas Transportation Plan (1994).

Policy 3. Maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of freight transportation.
Policy 7. Maximize preservation of existing infrastructure and services for all modes of transportation.

PAAC Membership. The Multimodal Section coordinates meetings and provides staff support for PAAC. The Port Authority Advisory Committee comprises five members:

one representative from the Port of Houston Authority of Harris County
two representatives from ports located north of the Matagorda/Calhoun County line, excluding the Port of Houston Authority
two members from ports located south of the Matagorda/Calhoun County line

PAAC Responsibilities. PACC responsibilities are to:

advise TTC and TxDOT of issues concerning port authorities
advise TTC and TxDOT on intermodal and multimodal issues relating to Texas waterways and ports
advise TTC and TxDOT in identification, development, and implementation of potential funding mechanisms, including the state infrastructure bank
advise TTC and TxDOT on port infrastructure needs

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Metropolitan Planning Organizations

Metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) address all modes of transportation in their transportation plans. The Multimodal Section encourages port authorities to work closely with their MPOs in addressing improved access and landside needs of ports.