The Port of Brownsville’s proximity to Mexico, Latin America’s second-largest economy, uniquely positions the port as the nation’s key transshipment gateway delivering goods and commodities to nearby multinational manufacturing centers on both sides of the border.

Ranking among the top U.S. steel ports, the Port of Brownsville moves more steel into Mexico than any other domestic competitor. In 2019, the port moved 3.2 million short tons of steel across the southern border.

Nearby Monterrey is a major industrial center in northern Mexico with a metropolitan population of nearly five million and home to dozens of commonly recognized international corporations. Monterrey is located 200 miles due west from the Port of Brownsville, where steel makers have come to rely upon the logistical efficiencies provided

Editor’s Note: This article is featured in the new edition of the Port of Brownsville Directory.

With operating revenue records in five of the last six years, it’s now more likely and achievable for the Port of Brownsville to make significantly large infrastructure investments – even during trying fiscal decelerations.

Growing the port has never been more important. Doing it with thoughtful and strategic planning is a deliberate path forward set by the Brownsville Navigation District Commission to protect the interests of port tenants and users, constituents and port assets. To grow requires reliable and recurring revenue. It takes money and planning.

In FY 2019, the port set

By John Reed/Brownsville Navigation District Chairman

This Memorial Day, as we rightfully honor the military men and women who gave their lives winning and protecting our freedoms, let us not forget an often-overlooked remembrance for the thousands of U.S. merchant mariners who also died serving our country in their own selfless ways.

In 1933, by a joint Resolution of Congress and by Proclamation of the President of the United States, May 22 was set aside as National Maritime Day to honor the sacrifices of U.S. merchant mariners during wartime and in peace. Since the founding of our country, thousands of men and women aboard American-flagged merchant ships have supplied the needs of our troops around the world, often becoming a tragic casualty of war themselves. During World War I and II, more than 8,600 merchant mariners perished – the highest rate of c

Crowds gather to kick off the celebration of the opening of the Port of Brownsville on May 16, 1936. When the two-day festivities came to a close the port that works was officially open for business.

On May 16, 2020, the Port of Brownsville observes its 84^th anniversary.

Opened in 1936 to the excitement of thousands of local residents, the Port of Brownsville signified a new hope for economic prosperity in the Rio Grande Valley region.

Thanks in part to the vision and commitment of Louis Cobolini, an Italian immigrant who set his sights on the

FTZ No. 62 continues to power economic progress in the Rio Grande Valley and bring value to the Port of Brownsville

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (May 5, 2020) — Foreign Trade Zone No. 62 at the Port of Brownsville reported a record-setting $8.9 billion in the combined value of exports and imports for 2019.
The total value of export shipments through FTZ No. 62 reached $4.3 billion in 2019, an increase from $3.8 billion the year before. In turn, the FTZ received $4.6 billion in imports. These numbers, the highest in the zone’s history, saw products in the petroleum industry and shipbuilding equipment bring the most value, supported by the steady transport of steel, aluminum and wind energy products.

With domestic exports and foreign imports valued in the billions, FTZ No. 62 continues to be a positive economic driver for communities throughout the R

17 de marzo de 2020

Conscientes de la situación de salud actual por la propagación del COVID-19, el Puerto de Brownsville se mantiene atento a las medidas de precaución recomendadas por los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades, el Departamento del Salud del Estado de Texas y las dependencias de salud pública locales.

En estos momentos el Puerto de Brownsville opera bajo el protocolo de comunicación correspondiente al plan general de emergencia del distrito de navegación.

Desde el 2 de marzo de 2020, las autoridades portuarias han llevado a cabo una serie de reuniones con dependencias federales, empleados del puerto, representantes de las empresas que operan en el puerto y demás usuarios sobre las medidas de prevención para evitar el contagio del COVID-19.

Personal del puerto tambén ha adoptado las siguientes medidas para evitar la propaga

April 6, 2020

Dear Colleagues and Business Partners,

In recent weeks, governments at the local, state and federal level have taken specific actions to curb and limit the spread of COVID-19. As of today, more than 100 million Americans have been ordered to stay home to protect public health. At the same time, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued guidance on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers during the COVID-19 pandemic – which specifies trade, transport and logistics as essential industries.

The Port of Brownsville, and especially the Brownsville Navigation District, accepts its responsibility and recognizes the importance of our port remaining operational to support national, regional and local priorities during this difficult time.

The safety and well-being of our peo

BROWNSVILLE, Texas — For the eighth consecutive year, the Brownsville Navigation District Finance Department earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its 2019 comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

“This recognition is a testament to the Brownsville Navigation District’s commitment to best financial practices as the port’s tax base continues to grow”, said John Reed, BND chairman. “I congratulate and thank our BND Commission and port staff for this award and look forward to preserving this legacy of excellence for the