Brownsville Navigation District Supports STEM Success for Brownsville ISD Racing Team

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – March 10, 2026 – The Brownsville Navigation District is proud to sponsor the Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) Racing Team as part of its commitment to workforce development and STEM education.

Established in 2017, the BISD Racing Team competes in the GreenpowerUSA Electric Car Challenge, a nationwide program that challenges students from fourth grade through college to design, build and race electric vehicles. The initiative promotes careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by providing hands-on opportunities to apply classroom learning to real-world engineering challenges.

For eight consecutive years, the team qualified for the National Finals but was unable to attend because of financial constraints. In May 2025, eight students traveled to Birmingham, Alabama, to compete at Nationals for the first time. The team was the only a

Read More

Port of Brownsville Announces America First Refining Project First New U.S. Gulf Coast Refinery in Nearly 50 Years

BROWNSVILLE, Texas — March 11, 2026 —The Port of Brownsville held a press conference today at its administrative office to announce the America First Refining project, which will be the first new U.S. Gulf Coast oil refinery in nearly 50 years. The project announcement was first shared by President Donald J. Trump on Mar. 10, on social media.

The refinery, to be built on more than 240 acres within the port, will process 100 percent domestic shale oil using advanced, hydrogen-powered systems to produce ultra‑low‑carbon fuels. According to America First Refining, the project will create 500 direct full-time jobs, with projected annual salaries ranging from $80,000 to $100,000. Thousands more indirect jobs are expected across construction, logistics and long-term operational support industries, representing one of the most significant industrial investments in South Texas history

Read More

Statement from the Port of Brownsville Regarding America First Refining Project

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (Tuesday, March 10, 2026) — The Port of Brownsville welcomes today’s announcement regarding the America First Refining project, a development that has been more than 12 years in the making. We are pleased to see this long-planned investment moving toward fruition and thank President Donald J. Trump and his administration for their support in advancing opportunities that strengthen America’s energy infrastructure.

This project represents an exciting step forward for our region, and our Port leadership remains committed to attracting transformative investments that create good-paying jobs and expand economic opportunity for the people of the Rio Grande Valley and the State of Texas.

###

Read More

Port of Brownsville Celebrates 90 Years of Economic Leadership

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (Monday, March 9, 2026) — Celebrating 90 years of progress in 2026, the Port of Brownsville has transformed a bold vision into an economic powerhouse, securing billions in private investment and anchoring one of the fastest-growing manufacturing and logistics hubs in Texas.

Established by voters in 1928 and officially opened in 1936, the port reshaped the southernmost tip of Texas from an agriculture-based economy into a global trade gateway. The construction of the Brownsville Ship Channel during the Great Depression connected the Rio Grande Valley to the Gulf of Mexico and laid the groundwork for decades of industrial expansion.

From its earliest days, the port evolved from handling agricultural products and earning the title “Number One Cotton Port in the Nation” to managing grains and shrimp, and ultimately becoming a diversified logi

Read More

Statement from the Port of Brownsville Regarding Potential Shipyard Project

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (Thursday, February 19, 2026) — Recently, there has been public discussion regarding a potential high-tech shipyard project under development at the Port of Brownsville.

While confidentiality agreements prevent the release of specific details, we can confirm that Port of Brownsville leadership is spearheading this effort. This initiative is being advanced strategically and in coordination with regional partners as part of the port’s long-term vision for economic growth. This is a highly competitive project, and the Port of Brownsville is actively positioning our region to successfully compete at the highest level.

Projects of this scale and nature reflect the Port of Brownsville’s core mission to attract transformative investment, create good-paying jobs, and expand economic opportunity for the residents of the Brownsville Navigation District

Read More

The Port that Beats to the Rhythm of Mexico

Editor’s Note: This article was originally featured at www.t21.us 

With 90% of its business tied to its southern neighbor and about to turn 90 years old, the Texas seaport is accelerating its transformation in the face of the uncertainty of the USMCA and the challenges at the border.

Economic integration between Mexico and the United States isn’t limited to trade agreements or annual trade figures; it’s a daily reality along the border, where thousands of industries depend on a constant and precise flow of goods. Within this complex network, the Port of Brownsville — in southeast Texas — has become a strategic hub for northeastern Mexico, a point where manufactur

Read More

El Puerto que Late al Ritmo de México

Nota del Editor: Este artículo fue publicado por www.t21.com.mx

Con el 90% de su negocio ligado al vecino del sur y a punto de cumplir 90 años, el puerto marítimo texano acelera su transformación ante la incertidumbre del T-MEC y los retos en la frontera.

La integración económica entre México y Estados Unidos no solo ocurre en los acuerdos comerciales o en las cifras de intercambio anual; se vive todos los días en la frontera, donde miles de industrias dependen de un flujo constante y preciso de mercancías.

En este entramado, el Puerto de Brownsville -sureste de Texas- se ha consolidado como una pieza estratégica para el noreste mexicano, un punto donde la manufactura, la logística y el comercio encuentran continuidad. Para empresas de Monterrey, Saltillo, Reynosa o Matamoros, el Puerto de Brownsville no es un dest

Read More

Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock Presents Port of Brownsville 2024 Economic Impact Study

Brownsville, TX – December 17, 2025 – Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock joined Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban “Steve” Guerra and Texas Sen. Adam Hinojosa on Wednesday to present the findings of the Port of Brownsville 2024 Economic Impact Study, conducted by the Texas Comptroller’s Office, during a press briefing held at the Port of Brownsville Administration Office.

The study highlights the Port of Brownsville’s significant role in the Texas economy, contributing $11.9 billion to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) and reinforcing the port’s importance as a driver of trade and industry. Based on the Comptroller’s estimate, trade through the Port of Brownsville in 2024 resulted in 101,073 jobs.

“The findings of this economic impact stud

Read More

M&M Mooring Recognized with 2025 Chairman’s Award

Brownsville, TX – December 4, 2025 – The Port of Brownsville proudly announces M&M Mooring as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Chairman’s Award. Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra presented the award to owner Mark Clive at the annual Customer Appreciation Luncheon held Dec. 4, at the Rancho Viejo Conference Center in Rancho Viejo, Texas.

“M&M Mooring has been a trusted partner of the Port of Brownsville for nearly three decades, providing essential maritime services with professionalism, reliability, and an unwavering commitment to safety,” said Guerra. While transformative investments are reshaping our region, the dedication of smaller, homegrown businesses that keep this port moving has strengthened our maritime community. It is essential that we continue to support these vital operations.”

[caption id=”attachment_173

Read More

Reconstruction of Cargo Dock 3 Begins

BROWNSVILLE, Texas, November 10, 2025 — The Port of Brownsville has begun the demolition phase of the Cargo Dock 3 reconstruction project, marking the start of a major modernization effort for the port’s turning basin.

Originally constructed in the 1940s, Cargo Dock 3 served the port for nearly 90 years handling a wide range of cargo. Located on Windhaus Road on the west side of the turning basin, Cargo Dock 3’s reconstruction will update the facility to meet today’s safety and operational standards while accommodating larger vessels following the deepening of the Brownsville Ship Channel to 52 feet.

According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ latest report, the Port of Brownsville handled over 11.2 million tons of waterborne cargo in 2023—a 23% increase from the previous year—advancing its national ranking from 50th to 41st out of 150 maritime po

Read More

Port of Brownsville: Building the Future of Trade, Jobs, and Growth

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (October 8, 2025) —At the southernmost point of Texas, where the Rio Grande meets the Gulf, the Port of Brownsville is driving a new era of growth and opportunity. Vessels, trains, and trucks traverse the port’s industrial landscape, signaling more than just cargo in motion. This is the economic engine driving the Rio Grande Valley’s economy.

As the only deepwater seaport located on the U.S.-Mexico border, the Port of Brownsville has become a gateway for trade, a magnet for investment, and a catalyst for opportunity across South Texas. Currently, more than $20 billion in projects are in the pipeline, promising to further transform the economic landscape of South Texas.

The port’s long-term vision is guided by the Brownsville Navigation District Board of Commissioners. This five-member elected body oversees policy, planning, and major investment decisions.

Read More

POB Statement on Seatrium’s Sale of Shipbuilding Facility to Karpowership

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (September 24, 2025) — On Tuesday, September 23, Seatrium announced the sale of its shipbuilding facility at the Port of Brownsville to Karpower Valley LLC of Karpowership, a global leader in power generation, LNG infrastructure, and shipbuilding that provides mobile energy solutions worldwide.
This transition marks a new chapter and a significant opportunity for the Port of Brownsville and the entire Rio Grande Valley. Karpowership’s proven expertise and global footprint will bring renewed investment, innovation, and growth to our region, further solidifying the port’s role as a gateway for in

Read More

Trucking Moves Trade Forward at the Port

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (September 8, 2025) —Truck drivers at the Port of Brownsville are a vital link moving goods from vessels to businesses across Texas and the nation, keeping commerce and industry thriving.

This month, the Port of Brownsville will join the American Trucking Associations in celebrating National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which runs from September 14-20.

According to the American Trucking Associations, truck drivers safely transport more than 11 billion tons of goods and products every year, which accounts for nearly 73% of America’s total annual freight. Eighty percent of U.S. communities depend solely on trucking to deliver goods.

In 2024 alone, the port recorded 450,000 truck movements, transporting essential goods for industries such as steel, shipbuilding, wind energy, and others.

The port’s educational partners, including Texas State Technical

Read More

2025 BND Notice of Public Hearing on Proposed Tax Increase

This notice concerns the 2025 property tax rates for BROWNSVILLE NAVIGATION DISTRICT.
This notice provides information about two tax rates used in adopting the current tax year’s tax rate. The no-new revenue tax rate would impose the same amount of taxes as last year if you compare properties taxed in both
years. In most cases, the voter-approval tax rate is the highest tax rate a taxing unit can adopt without holding an
election. In each case, these rates are calculated by dividing the total amount of taxes by the current taxable value
with adjustments as required by state law. The rates are given per $100 of property value.

2025- BND Notice About Tax Rates
Read More

Port of Brownsville Internships Build Bridges from Classroom to Career

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (August 4, 2025) —Looking over the turning basin from the Port of Brownsville’s Harbor Master’s Office, Maritime Business Administration major Samuel Hinojosa spent this summer preparing for his final semester at Texas A&M University – Galveston, as an intern gaining valuable hands-on experience in the maritime industry.

Hinojosa was one of three college students selected to intern at the Port of Brownsville this summer as part of its ongoing workforce development efforts. Alongside him were Pierce De La Cruz Grove, a finance major and rising sophomore at the University of Notre Dame, and Antonio Gutierrez, a senior at Texas A&M University, set to graduate this fall with a degree in Industrial Distribution. Each intern was placed in a department that aligns with their career aspirations and academic background, giving them valuable professional insig

Read More