Living in Port Arthur

Geography and Climate

Port Arthur is 90 miles east of Houston in Southeast Texas. Along with the neighboring cities of Beaumont and Orange, it makes up what is known as the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle is adjacent to the Louisiana border, and New Orleans is about 250 miles to the east.

Between the points of the Golden Triangle are many smaller communities. In Jefferson County, these include the cities of Nederland, Port Neches and Groves as well as the rural communities of Hamshire, Fannett and Labelle. Orange County is home to the cities of Bridge City, Vidor and Rose City as well as the smaller communities of Orangefield, McLewis and Mauriceville. Hardin County to the north and Chambers County to the west of Jefferson County has many similar small communities. The greater Southeast Texas market area includes a total of nine counties.

Port Arthur is located on a coastal plain where elevations range from sea level to 9 feet. The area features both marsh and forest, and timber, water, oil, natural gas and sulfur are among its natural resources.

Transportation is easy in Port Arthur, and most locations are a 10 or 15-minute drive from the center of town. There are 82.9 square miles of land within the city. The square mileage of Jefferson County, where the city is located, is 904.

The Southeast Texas region is well known for its mild winter temperatures and warm summers. The normal yearly rainfall is 57.18 inches.

Source: www.co.jefferson.tx.us

Local Government Structure

City of Port Arthur

Port Arthur operates under a city manager/council form of city government. Residents elect a mayor and eight council members. This nine-member council appoints a City Manager. The council meets bi-weekly in open session to conduct the business of the city. Information: (409) 983-8100 or www.portarthur.net.

Jefferson County

Port Arthur is in Jefferson County. The county seat is in Beaumont, 15 miles to the north of Port Arthur.

Residents of each county in Texas elect a county judge and four county commissioners to head the county government as members of the Commissioners Court. Commissioners are elected from their own districts and the County Judge is elected at-large. Each of these officials is elected to four-year terms and serves full-time. County residents also elect a Tax Assessor-Collector, a county clerk, a county attorney, a sheriff, a treasurer, justices of the peace and constables. Information: (409) 727-2191 or www.co.jefferson.tx.us.

Other Government

The state has created a number of special improvement districts to provide for development of economically important resources. These include the Port of Port Arthur, the Navigation District and several drainage and water districts. These districts have taxing and bonding authority.

Major Employers in Port Arthur

Unemployment ( January 2008)

Port Arthur’s unemployment rate is 4.9%.

Source: Texas Workforce Commission

Approximate Wages and Rates (2006-2008)

Source: Texas Workforce Commission, or www.socrates.cdr.state.tx.us

Retail Area

Port Arthur is a retail center in itself and is home to a major shopping mall, strip centers and several shopping areas that include large “anchor” stores such as Academy, Wal-Mart, Office Depot, Target, Dillard’s, JC Penny, Sears, etc. Retail and wholesale trade, distribution, business and medical services are important elements of the local economy.

City Sales and Use Tax Comparison Summary - February 2008

Income Information of Port Arthur and Surrounding Areas
(March 2008)

The per capita income for Port Arthur is $15,876 (which includes all adults and children).

Housing Costs 2008 

The average rental cost for a two-bedroom apartment in Port Arthur is ~$800. The average purchase price of a single family home in Port Arthur is $113,295.

Source: Board of Realtors

2008 Median Prices of Single-Family Homes 

Source: www.bidc.state.tx.us/RealEstate.htm and www.realtor.org

Property Tax

Most governing entities in Texas levy a property tax. The assessment ratio is 100 percent. Property values are established through the Jefferson County Appraisal District and most taxes are collected through the Jefferson County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office. Taxpayers can view their property tax balance and make payments online. Information: (409) 840-9944, (409) 727-4611 or www.co.jefferson.tx.us/taxoffice/property_tax.htm

Sales Tax

Sales tax of 8.25% (Texas gets 6.25%, Jefferson gets .5%, and Port Arthur gets 1.5%) is charged on items that are subject to sales tax in Port Arthur. The State of Texas and other entities levy a sales tax on items that are considered non-essential. In addition, many cities and counties in the state have approved a half-cent sales tax to fund Economic Development Corporations. Port Arthur and several of the surrounding cities have EDC’s. Sales tax information for various cities within Texas can be found at:
www.cpa.state.tx.us/taxinfo/allocsum/cities.html

Personal Income Tax

There is no personal income tax in Texas.

State Franchise Tax (Revised as of January 1, 2008, for Texas)

The tax rate is 1 percent for most taxable entities. For entities meeting the following criteria, the tax rate is 0.5 percent:

• the entity is primarily engaged in retail or wholesale trade under division F or G of the 1987 Standard Industrial Classification Manual.
• the total revenue from its activities in retail and wholesale trade is greater than the total revenue from its activities in trades other than the retail and wholesale trade;
• less than 50% of the total revenue from activities in retail or wholesale trade comes from the sale of products it produces or products produced by an entity that is part of an affiliated group to which the taxable entity also belongs, except for those businesses under Major Group 58 (eating and drinking establishments); and
• the taxable entity does not provide retail or wholesale utilities, including telecommunications services, electricity or gas.

Taxable entities with revenues of $300,000 or less will owe no tax. Taxable entities with tax due of less than $1,000 will owe no tax. However, all taxable entities, including those that will owe no tax, must file a report.

Unemployment Insurance Tax

The tax rate will be applied to the first $7,000 of wages paid each employee. The minimum tax rate is 0.008% of the first $7,000.

Source: www.window.state.tx.us/taxes

Land and Material Resources

Land and Buildings

One of Port Arthur’s outstanding features is a variety of industrial sites. There are thousands of acres of prime industrial land surrounding Port Arthur. Parcels of land range from 2 to 8,000 acres and prices are from $1,500 and up per acre. Sites fully served by utilities, rail, water and sewer are on major highways. Others are available on the ship channel with easy access by rail or well-maintained industrial roads. Frontage on the interstate highway is still available in several locations. These properties with plats and detailed information are on the market. Site development and lease financing may be arranged with developers.

In addition to land, a number of existing buildings are available. However, if a company’s needs cannot be met, investors in the Port Arthur area deal in build-to-suit, long-term agreements.

The Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation and Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission maintain information on available properties and buildings for the purpose of assisting companies involved in a site search.

Entergy Texas, which is involved in regional economic development, has its own site list of available properties within the region. The list includes the building name and location, available square footage and cost, structural specifications and an image of the site. Information: 1 (800) 729-SITE or visit www.entergy.com/our_community/economic_development.aspx

Raw Materials

Port Arthur has an abundance of raw materials. Besides the naturally-occurring raw materials, a great variety of manmade materials are available in the area. Along the Texas Gulf Coast, the maze of pipelines dubbed “The Spaghetti Bowl” delivers feedstock’s for the manufacture of an unlimited number of end products. Most of the feedstocks are hydrocarbons derived from Texas’ abundant oil and natural gas. Below is a partial listing of naturally-occurring and manmade raw materials produced in Southeast Texas:

Acrylonitrile	Butane	Ethane	Kerosene
Ammonia	Butylene	Ethylene	Methanol
Argon	Caustic Soda	Ethylene Glycols	Naphtha
Benzene	Chlorine	Ethyl Benzene	Paper
Polyacrylates	Crude Oil	Fuel Oil	Natural Gas
Butadiene	Cyclohexane	Gasoline	Nitrogen
Propylene	Steel (Rod & Wire)	Hexane	Nitric Acid
Propylene Glycols	Solvents, Aromatic	Hydrogen Chloride	Oxygen
Solvents, Paraffin	Toulene	Hydrogen Sulfide	Wood Pulp
Polyethylene	Propane	Sulfuric Acid	Xylene

Agriculture

Jefferson County’s production of rice, livestock, soybeans, hay, aquaculture, horticultural products and outdoor recreational activities on agricultural lands contributes an estimated $51.8 million to the local economy. The sale of commodities and the manufacturing, value-added processing and wholesale trade has an estimated annual economic impact of $2.8 billion. 734 agribusinesses in the county employ 12,898 persons, with a payroll of $277 million. Beef Cattle were the No. 1 agricultural commodity in 2004 - approximately 37,000 head of cattle are located in Jefferson County. The second most important enterprise is rice; approximately 19,900 acres of rice was harvested last year. Other agricultural enterprises include soybeans, grain sorghum, hay, turf, crawfish and timber. Information: Texas Cooperative Extension – Jefferson County, (409) 835 8461.

Local Economic Development Resources and Incentives

Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation

The Port Arthur EDC promotes economic development within the city by providing financial incentives to qualified businesses. The EDC’s primary focus is on the creation of jobs and manufacturing and industrial businesses. Funding is provided through a half-cent sales tax within the city. Information: (409) 963-0579 or www.paedc.org

Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce

The Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce is made up of over 850 businesses, organizations and individuals working together as a team to achieve a sound economic environment and quality of life for the entire community. It strives to attract new businesses and to retain and expand existing ones. The Chamber is a source of information for business prospects and for those who are moving to or planning to visit the Port Arthur area. Information: (409) 963-1107 or www.portarthurtexas.com

Pleasure Island Commission

The Pleasure Island Commission is appointed by the Port Arthur City Council to oversee the development of Pleasure Island, which is located between the Intracoastal Waterway and Sabine Lake. Much of the island is dedicated to residential use, retail and recreational purposes, but some land is used for industrial and maritime purposes. Information: (409) 982-4675 or http://pleasureislandtx.com

City Zoning and Permits

Zoning in Texas is under the jurisdiction of municipalities. County governments do not have zoning authority. Information: City of Port Arthur Planning Division, (409) 983-8135 or www.portarthur.net

City Revolving Loan Fund

The City of Port Arthur has established a Revolving Loan Fund to make 5-percent low-interest loans to small businesses. The program can make fixed-asset and working capital loans for up to 10 years. Information: (409) 983-8135 or 983-8138.

Small Business Development Center

The Small Business Development Center at Lamar State College-Port Arthur provides assistance to small-business owners and people interested in starting a new business. The center sponsors breakfasts, seminars and workshops; one-on-one counseling; and a business resource library. The SBDC also has a part-time branch office at the Nederland EDC. Most of the SBDC’s services are free. Information: (409) 984-6531 or www.portarthur.com/sbdc

Golden Triangle Minority Business Development Center

The Center is a reference facility with computer counseling stations, video and audio cassette resources and business planning guides to help entrepreneurs plan their business ventures. Contact: (409) 883-3536.

Entergy Economic Development

Entergy Texas is the sponsor of the Team City program, which helps communities in its service area organize, plan and prepare for local economic development. It can help them identify strengths, mobilize leadership, set goals and implement sound growth strategies. The Team City Cooperative Grant Program provides funds to non-profit economic development organizations in the company’s service area for marketing, economic development or business development projects. The company’s other services include a list of available land and building sites within its service area (see Land and Buildings). Information: 1-800-729-SITE or www.entergy.com/txed

SBAlliance (Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation)

Low down payments, long-term financing and favorable interest rates are available through the SBA-504 Small Business Loan Program. The foundation will participate with private lenders in making direct loans to businesses for the purchase of land, buildings, machinery and equipment Information: (409) 838-6581,
http://www.sballiancecapital.org/

Enterprise Zones

Several areas in Southeast Texas have been designated as Enterprise Zones by the State of Texas. Projects developed within the zones are eligible for incentives such as franchise tax deductions and a refund of state sales or use taxes paid on machinery and equipment, building materials, labor for the rehabilitation of existing buildings and electricity and gas purchased for use in the zone. Qualified businesses in the zone also have priority or preference for all programs administered by the state. Limited Enterprise Zone benefits are also available to businesses outside of the Enterprise Zone and hire workers from this Zone. Information: Office of the Governor: Economic Development and Tourism - Enterprise Zone Program or (512) 936-0101

Foreign Trade Zone

The Foreign Trade Zone of Southeast Texas, Inc., is a private non-profit corporation. A Foreign Trade Zone is a site within the United States where foreign and domestic merchandise is considered to be outside U.S. Customs territory. Domestic and foreign goods can be placed in a zone without formal Customs entry, payment of Customs duties or quota limits. Information: the Port of Port Arthur, (409) 983-2011 or 722-7831.

HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program

Port Arthur from Gulfway Drive south to Sabine Lake and from Texas 82 east to U.S. 69 is designated as a federal HUBZone. Qualified small businesses in the zone that bid on federal contracts have an edge in receiving those contracts. Eligible firms may also benefit from employer tax credits, tax-free facility bonds and investment tax deductions. Information: (202) 205-6400 or www.sba.gov/hubzone/

Employment Training

The Southeast Texas Workforce Development Board oversees the delivery of all workforce training and services in Jefferson, Orange and Hardin counties. The board serves as a point of contact for local businesses to communicate their needs and to influence the direction of all workforce development programs. Workforce Centers offer a variety of services for employers and job seekers, including customized training, pre-employment testing of job seekers, recruitment of job seekers with specific skills and planning for growth or downsizing. Information: (409) 719-4750, 866-878-4600 or www.setworks.org – workforce information can also be obtained at http://setx.org/html/Workforce.asp

Skills Development Fund

The Texas Workforce Commission oversees the Skills Development Fund (SDF). The SDF grants fund the training, and the businesses guarantee jobs for graduates. Information: http://www.twc.state.tx.us/svcs/funds/sdfintro.html

Other Resources

Licenses and Permits

The TDED has an online Guide to Texas Business Licenses and Permits that includes general business regulations and information, an alphabetical list of business licenses and permits and lists of state and federal regulatory agencies. Information. 800-888-0511, http://business.texasonline.com/guide/index.jsp

Economic Development Databases

The Economic Information Clearinghouse and the Business and Industry Data Center are economic development tools that allow people to access and compare Texas data that is useful in making business decisions. Information: 512-936-0100, http://www.bidc.state.tx.us/2-4db.htm or 512-936-2000, http://bidc.state.tx.us.

Corporate Expansion and Recruitment

The Office of Corporate Expansion and Recruitment assists businesses that want to expand existing Texas operations or want to relocate or expand operations outside of Texas into Texas. CER serves as a focal point for disseminating those business leads to Texas communities. Information: (512) 936-0254 or http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/ecodev/ed_bank/linked_deposit

Texas Capital Access Fund

The Texas Capital Access Fund was established to provide an incentive loan to businesses that might otherwise fall outside the guidelines of conventional lending. The essential element of this program is a loan reserve account established at the lending institution to act as a credit enhancement, inducing the financial institution to make a loan. An eligible borrower must be a medium or small business (499 or fewer employees); a non-profit organization; or domiciled in or having at least 51 percent of its employees located in Texas.
Information: (512) 936-0501 or www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/ecodev/ed_bank/cap_access.

Linked Deposit Program

The State of Texas Linked Deposit Program was established to encourage lending to historically underutilized businesses, child care providers, non-profit corporations and small businesses located in Enterprise Zones by providing lenders and borrowers a lower cost of capital. It is a partnership between the State of Texas Treasury, approved depository lenders and the Texas Department of Economic Development.
Information: (512) 936-0501, 800-735-2988 or http://www.tded.state.tx.us/TexasLinkedDeposit/

Office of International Business

The primary objective of the Office of Trade and International Relations helps companies expand into foreign markets. It provides foreign trade leads and encourages foreign representatives to make or strengthen contacts with Texas companies. The office connects companies with trade counseling and training programs available through the International Small Business Development Centers and U.S. Department of Economic Development Export Assistance Centers. Information: (512) 916-5939 or http://www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/ecodev/international

Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center

TMAC serves as a technical and business resource to streamline manufacturing processes, optimize factory operations, integrate today’s technology, facilitate vendor contacts, increase global competitiveness and enhance workforce development. Its field staff specializes in manufacturing and industrial engineering; manufacturing specialists work with small to medium-sized manufacturers, providing technical support and implementing best business practices. TMAC has provided services to a wide range of industries such as metalworking, food processing, electronics, plastics, apparel and more. Information: 1-800-625-4876 or www.tmac.org

Texas State Comptroller

Businesses located in Strategic Investment Areas in Texas may qualify for three types of franchise tax credits: research and development, job creation and capital investment. (Research and development credits are available anywhere in the state, but businesses in SIA’s qualify for an additional credit). Port Arthur is a Strategic Investment Area. Each year the state updates its list of regions designated as Strategic Investment Areas.
Information: 1-800-252-1381 or www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/franchise/index.html

State HUB, SBE and DBE Programs

The Historically Underutilized Business is one with ethnic, female or other ownership designated by the government as nontraditional. A business with HUB certification has an advantage when bidding on state contracts. Some state agencies, such as the Texas Department of Transportation, have similar programs offering incentives to businesses designated as a Small Business Enterprise or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. Businesses with one of these certifications have an advantage in seeking a contract with TxDOT.  For information about HUB certification, call the Small Business Development Center at (409) 984-6531.

University of Houston SBDC

The Small Business Development Center at the University of Houston provides businesses with assistance in the areas of business management, government procurement, international trade and manufacturing. Its expertise is available to entrepreneurs in the start-up mode as well as to experienced business owners who want to take their companies to the next level. It offers business consulting and training at 14 centers, 3 specialty centers and nearly 60 satellite offices. Its web site, http://www.sbdc.uh.edu has a number of useful resource links. Information: (713) 752-8444.

U.S. Small Business Administration

The Small Business Administration is a federal agency dedicated to the development and growth of small businesses. Its resources include a Small Business Startup Kit, a library of publications on business topics and a series of loan programs. In most of the loan programs the SBA guarantees loans that are made by its lending partners; the agency currently does not loan funds directly. The 8(a) program is intended to help socially and economically disadvantaged business owners. The SBA also has a Small Business Technology Transfer Program which awards funding for partnerships between small business and nonprofit research institutions. It follows phases similar to those in the SBIR Program, with the first phase qualifying for up to $100,000 and the second phase for up to $500,000. Information: (713) 773-6500 or www.sba.gov.

Minority Business Development Agency

The Minority Business Development Agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce is the only federal agency specifically created to encourage the creation, growth and expansion of minority-owned businesses in the United States. Assistance is provided to socially or economically disadvantaged individuals who own or wish to start a business. The MBDA centers provide minority entrepreneurs with one-on-one assistance in writing business plans, marketing, management and technical assistance and financial planning to assure adequate financing for business ventures. Information: (214) 767-8001 or
http://www.mbda.gov/

Utilities

Telecommunications

The primary local telephone service providers include SBC, http://att.sbc.com and Time Warner Cable, www.timewarnercable.com . A list of other local service providers is available in the local phone book. Cellular phone and data communication services are available through several companies. Currently all major cities and industrial corridors are served by digital and electronic switching systems. Fiber optic cable is used in the major markets of Southeast Texas.

Electric

Entergy Texas serves about 383,000 customers in 24 counties. The company employs nearly 1,250 people in the state. The company continues to be an active partner in regional economic development efforts through its Team City Texas Program which helps communities identify strengths, mobilize leadership, set goals and implement sound growth strategies. For more information: 1-800-368-3749 or www.entergy-texas.com

Natural Gas

Texas Gas Service Company serves approximately 550,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Texas. It was founded in Wink, Texas, in 1929, as Southern Union Gas and was purchased in 2003 by ONEOK , a diversified energy company involved in oil and natural gas production, gathering, processing, storage, transmission and marketing. Large industrial customers in Port Arthur are served by the transmission lines of these companies. Information: 1-800-700-2443 or http://www.oneok.com

Industrial Water

The Lower Neches Valley Authority, a non-profit, non-taxing agency, provides fresh water to municipalities, industries and farms via a system of canals in a three-county area. It currently has the capacity to pump and distribute more than 1 billion gallons of water per day, with average high demand being 700 million gallons per day. Industrial, municipal and irrigation rates are among the lowest in the state. Raw water rates are set annually by the LNVA board of directors. Information: (409) 892-4011 or http://www.lnva.dst.tx.us

Sewer/Wastewater

The City of Port Arthur provides for the collection and treatment of wastewater. The maximum daily capacity is 36.7 million gallons and the average daily capacity is 9.2 million gallons. Information: (409) 983-8550 or www.portarthur.net/water_dept.cfm

Water

The City of Port Arthur has the capacity to treat 20 million gallons of water daily and is currently treating 13 million gallons per day. Information: (409) 983-3846 or www.portarthur.net/water_dept.cfm

Garbage

The City of Port Arthur provides residential and commercial garbage service. Various sizes of containers are available, and numbers of commercial pickups vary per week depending on the volume of use. The city does not handle hazardous, toxic or flammable waste; batteries, oil and oil filters; asbestos; medical waste; concrete rock or bricks; or any type of demolition material. Businesses with special disposal needs that cannot be handled by the city can contract with private services. Information: (409) 983-8518 or www.portarthur.net

Hazardous Waste Disposal

Veolia Environmental Services, previouslyONYX Environmental Services operates a hazardous waste disposal facility west of Port Arthur. Methods of disposal are incineration and injection. Information: (409) 736-2821 or http://veoliaes-ts.com or www.onyxes.com

Transportation

Airport

The Southeast Texas Regional Airport is located off U.S. 69 two miles north of Port Arthur and features both commercial and executive terminals. Airlines provide several flights a day to Houston. Information: (409) 722-0251 or www.co.jefferson.tx.us/setra/setra_home.htm

Port Arthur Transit System

Port Arthur Transit offers citywide bus services. In addition to its regular service it offers a special paratransit door-to-door service for the elderly and disabled residents of Port Arthur. Lift-equipped vehicles are used in the service, which is available five days a week. Information: (409) 983-8767.

Port of Port Arthur

The Port of Port Arthur is situated on the 1,200 mile Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, only 19 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and positioned to competiitively handle any type of breakbulk or container cargo. The elected Commissioners are the policy makers for the international public port.

The port facility consists of 5 berths with a dock length of 3.102 linear feet and 518,400 square feet of transit shed space. Also available is 17 acres of open asphalt dock space. The Port’s 75-ton gantry crane straddles 3 sets of apron rail tracks with a rail capacity for 150 rail cars.

The “ultimate direct transfer facility” means the most efficient production in transferring metal commodities from vessel to landside conveyance. In addition, numerous lumber, paper, baled and forest products move in and out of the most modern transit shed in North America that include extra wide and high doorways, state-of-the-art lighting and an enclosed rail and truck loading/unloading docks. Information: (409) 983-2011 or www.portofportarthur.com or email: info@portofportarthur.com

Rail Lines

Three major railroad lines operate in Port Arthur: Kansas City Southern Railway, Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe. These companies mainly direct their service to the petroleum and chemical plants and to the Port of Port Arthur.

Motor Freight

There are about 12 general freight carriers serving Port Arthur. Specialized truck companies are prepared to handle dry bulk and liquid commodities.

Education Available at All Levels

The Port Arthur area offers education at many different levels, from pre-kindergarten to college.

Lamar State College-Port Arthur is a two-year institution offering freshman- and sophomore-level courses in more than 50 academic and technical fields. Students can complete the college’s core curriculum and transfer those credits to any public four-year institution in Texas and other academic institutions throughout the country.

Lamar State College-Port Arthur offers two-year associate degrees in both academic and technical areas, plus one-year certificate programs in various technical studies.

The college has seen steady enrollment growth since 1975, culminating with record enrollments in 2005. In the past three years, the college added two new buildings to provide room for additional education programs.

The $5.9 million Performing Arts Theater features a 400-seat theater, a “black box” theater, music rehearsal rooms, an art studio, classrooms, and a recording studio. The building houses new degree programs in teaching, studio arts, music, and recording technology.

The $5.1 million Carl Parker Multipurpose Center provides a venue for concerts, lectures and other large meetings. It also houses the college’s kinesiology program and is the home of the Seahawks intercollegiate men’s basketball and women’s softball programs.

The college’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) plays an important role in helping prospective business owners secure financing and help in setting up their businesses. In the first nine months of 2006, the SBDC was responsible for helping business owners find more than $11 million in loans, grants and other business-related financing.

Port Arthur Independent School District (PAISD), which celebrated its centennial in 1999, has an enrollment of over 10,300 students. PAISD offers a wide-ranging program of educational offerings for children with differing educational needs, including Head Start and pre-kindergarten, special education, bilingual education in Spanish and Vietnamese, advanced classes for high-ability students, and vocational education at Stilwell Technical Center. Stilwell’s programs focus on teaching students specific skills to enable them to compete in the job market.

All schools are accredited by the Texas Education Agency and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and rate Acceptable or Recognized in the state accountability system.

Hughen Center, a specialized school for severely and profoundly physically disabled youngsters, also receives its educational program from PAISD, and many of the students attend regular PAISD classes.

There are also a number of private and faith-based educational opportunities available in the Port Arthur area.

The Sabine Pass Independent School District, along with Nederland and Port Neches school districts, are neighboring school systems that serve some of Port Arthur’s neighborhoods.

Port Arthur Independent School District

Port Arthur ISD, with an enrollment of 9,811 students, is the primary public school system serving Port Arthur. The district currently has one high school, five secondary schools, eight elementary schools and four campuses for special services such as vocational and technical programs and early childhood programs. Several schools received recognized or exemplary ratings in 2004 under the state ratings system. PAISD is accredited by the Texas Education Agency and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Information: (409) 989-6244 or www.paisd.org

The Sabine Pass Independent School District, along with Nederland and Port Neches-Groves School Districts, are neighboring school systems that serve some of Port Arthur’s outlying neighborhoods.

Parochial Schools

The Catholic Diocese of Beaumont has a number of schools in Jefferson County and surrounding areas. St. Catherine School, located in Port Arthur, serves pre-K-8th grade, and Msgr. Kelly High School in Beaumont serves 9-12 grades. Information: (409) 838-0451 or www.dioceseofbmt.org

Other Port Arthur Schools

A number of private schools provide education for students throughout our community. Call the Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce at 409-963-1107 for information.

Vocational/Technical/Business Schools

There are several vocational schools in the Port Arthur area. Many of them are tailored to particular fields such as computers, welding and the maritime industry.

Higher Education

Texas State University System

Southeast Texas is the home to four campuses that are members of the Texas State University System: Lamar State College-Port Arthur, Lamar University in Beaumont, Lamar State College-Orange and the Lamar Institute of Technology in Beaumont. Each is a separate degree-granting institution that reports to the TSUS chancellor and Board of Regents based in Austin. The campuses became part of the system, which is the 3rd largest in Texas, in 1995. Other TSUS institutions include Sam Houston State University, Texas State University – San Marcos, Angelo State University and Sul Ross State University.

Lamar State College-Port Arthur

Lamar State College-Port Arthur is a 2-year institution that offers freshman- and sophomore-level work in about 50 academic and technical fields of study. The college has seen steady enrollment growth for more than a decade, culminating with record enrollments in 2005.

John W. Gates, one of the founders of Texaco, instituted the Port Arthur Business College in 1909. Since then the college, which became Lamar-Port Arthur in 1975, has operated continuously on Lakeshore Drive and Procter Street in historic Port Arthur. The campus has nearly 25 buildings located on 40 acres of property. It is the site of several major new building and renovation projects, including a new athletic/multi puporse center, and an expanded library.

Some of the college’s technical programs include nursing, surgical technology, automotive technology, cosmetology, accounting, child care, computer maintenance technology, computer information systems (both network engineering and software development), office technology and electronics and instrumentation. In addition to offering two-year degrees and one-year certificates in these programs, the college offers associate degrees in academic areas. Students may complete the core curriculum at Lamar-Port Arthur and transfer those credits to any public four-year institution in Texas.

The campus is home to Carl Parker Multipurpose Center, Gates Memorial Library, and the Small Business Development Center. It also funds the Museum of the Gulf Coast along with the City of Port Arthur and Port Arthur Historical Society. Their new $5.9 million Performing Arts Theater includes a 400-seat theater, a “black box” theater, musical rehearsal rooms, an arts studio and room for future music, art and recording technology programs.

Lamar State College-Port Arthur is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Information: 1-800-477-5872 or www.lamarpa.edu

Lamar University, Beaumont

Lamar University, a 4-year state-supported institution, is a member of The Texas State University System and offers more than 100 programs of study, 47 master’s programs and doctorates in audiology, educational leadership, engineering, and deaf education. About 11,400+ students attend courses on the 270-acre campus that includes more than 75 buildings, three state-of-the-art residence halls housing more than 1,500 students. A new dining hall and Sports Recreation Center is under construction. With about 925 full-time faculty and staff and some 205 part-time employees, the university is one of the largest employers in the area. The College of Engineering administers seven research centers under the Texas Center for Technology Incubation, bringing more than $50 million for research since 1988. The College of Business’s undergraduate and graduate programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, a distinction earned by less than 16 percent of business schools worldwide. The Texas Board of Nurse Examiners has cited Lamar’s BSN program with commendations three years in a row for outstanding student achievement. Information: (409) 880-7011 or www.lamar.edu

Lamar State College-Orange

Lamar-Orange is a 2-year state-supported institution that offers about 35 associate degrees and 1-year certificates. Enrollment exceeds 2,000 students. Information: 1-409-883-7750 or www.orange.lamar.edu

Lamar Institute of Technology

Lamar Institute of Technology is a 2-year state-supported technical college that offers about 55 associate degrees and 1-year certificates. The campus enrollment exceeds 2,500 students. Information: 1-800-950-6989 or www.theinstitute.lamar.edu

Emergency Services and Medical Facilities

911

The Southeast Texas area has a 911 emergency system. Jefferson County also has an emergency management coordinator to assist in coordinating interagency response to potential large-scale emergencies such as hurricanes. Find information at http://www.setrpc.org

Fire Service

The Port Arthur Fire Department employs 105 full-time people and maintains 10 fire trucks in 7 stations throughout the city. The Insurance Services Office rating is 3. Information: (409) 983-8737 or http://departments.firehouse.com/dept/portarthur2tx

Police

The Port Arthur Police Department has 111 full-time police officers and maintains 86 patrol and specialty vehicles. Information: (409) 983-8600 or www.portarthurpd.com.

Sheriff’s Office

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department has 90-full-time peace officers and 271 correctional officers. Including civilian support staff there is a total of 450 employees. The department’s deputies serve on a number of joint-agency task forces such as Narcotics, Auto Theft, the Robbery Squad and Gang Task Force. The Sheriff’s Department facilities include a crime lab, and the department operates the county jail, which houses more than 1,000 inmates. Information: (409) 835-8411 or http://co.jefferson.tx.us/sheriff/mission.htm

Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center

The City of Port Arthur maintains a Civic Center that is used for special events, concerts, conventions, exhibitions, sporting events and festivals throughout the year. The 20,000-square-foot main hall seats 2,818 or 1,673 for a banquet. Smaller halls and meeting rooms are available. There is free parking for over 600 cars and additional parking off-site. The Civic Center’s address is 3401 Cultural Center Drive, centrally located off Texas 73 at the Ninth Avenue exit. Information: (409) 985-8801 or www.portarthur.net/pa_civic_center.cfm

Hotels, Motels and Meeting Facilities

Nearly 20 hotels and motels provide Port Arthur with a total bed capacity of 600. Banquet and meeting room facilities are available at the Holiday Inn Park Central and Ramada Inn. 

 For a complete listing of available hotels, motels and meeting facilities please visit:

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Restaurants

Port Arthur and the surrounding cities have an ever-growing number of restaurants featuring the cuisine of a diverse community. Mexican food is the most popular choice of ethnic foods in the area, with Cajun, Italian and Asian cuisine right behind. Seafood, barbecue, pizza and fried chicken are other popular local choices. The combination of national restaurant chains and locally-owned establishments provide residents with an excellent variety of choices. 

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Cultural Arts and Entertainment

Cultural Arts

The Southeast Texas Arts Council is the central cultural arts organization in the region. Its role is to provide funding, technical assistance and information services for the local arts. It also involved in arts education. Information: (409) 835-2787.

The Port Arthur Convention and Visitors Bureau is another place to learn about activities and sites in the area. Information: 1-800-235-7822.

There are dozens of groups, facilities and events dedicated to enhancing the cultural life of the region. They include the Golden Triangle Writers Guild, Young Audiences of Southeast Texas, the Tyrrell Historical Library and lecture series sponsored by Lamar University and Lamar State College-Port Arthur. Others are described below.

Dance

Lamar University’s dance department presents several performances a year, and the area has several schools for non-college students interested in dance. Jefferson County has several other dance organizations, including the Port Arthur Civic Ballet Society, Beaumont Civic Ballet, Beaumont Ballet Theater ,Orange Ballet Society and Lamar Dance Company.

Festivals and Annual Events

Mardi Gras Southeast Texas, which draws more than 300,000 to Port Arthur annually, is the largest of the many festivals held throughout the year in Port Arthur and Jefferson County. The community celebrates the local cuisine each year at CavOILcade which is an annual salute to the oil industry. Cultural celebrations in the area include Juneteenth, the Mexican Heritage Festival, Mercado Days and Tet, Cayman Night in Port Arthur, the Asian New Year. Other regular festivities are the Nederland Heritage Festival, the Texas Pecan Festival in Groves, Dick Dowling Days in Sabine Pass, the Texas Rice Festival in Winnie,the YMBL South Texas State Fair in Beaumont Crawfish Festival in Mauriceville, Taste of Gumbo, Taste of Cultures, March of Dimes Walk America, Port Neches Riverfest, Children’s Miracle Network and Dick Dowling Days in Sabine Pass. Most of the communities in South Jefferson County kick off the Christmas season with parades and other events. 

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Historic and Cultural Sites

Historic Port Arthur has several homes that have been preserved, including the Pompeiian Villa, Rose Hill, White Haven and the Vuylsteke Home. Some are open regularly; the others are by request. Other sites worth visiting are the Buu Mon Buddhist Temple, the Queen of Peace Shrine, the Lady of Guadalupe Shrine, the Dick Dowling Monument and Veterans Memorial Park. 

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Museums

The Museum of the Gulf Coast is a Smithsonian-quality facility in historic Port Arthur that features the early history of the Gulf Coast, pop exhibits featuring music and sports figures from the region, and decorative arts and special exhibits. Information: (409) 982-7000 or http://museum.lamarpa.edu

The Texas Artists Museum, on Cultural Center Drive next to the Port Arthur Civic Center, features the work in a variety of media by regional artists. Information: (409) 983-4881 or www.texasartistsmuseum.org Other museums in the region include the Art Museum of Southeast Texas and the Texas Energy Museum in Beaumont; the Stark Museum in Orange; the Dutch Windmill Museum in Nederland; and the Elaine Eitel Doll House Museum in Port Neches.

Music

The Southeast Texas region is known for its blues, jazz and rock ‘n’ roll, and audiences can find something to fit every taste. Numerous clubs in the area feature local and guest bands. A number of organizations promote homegrown talent. Some of those organizations are:

Lamar University’s music department hosts a series of music concerts featuring the symphonic band, jazz ensemble, Cardinal Singers, a capella choir and grand choir. Musical theater and opera round out the university’s offerings.

Lamar State College-Port Arthur and the area community theaters present one or more musicals each year.

Theater

Both Lamar State College-Port Arthur and Lamar University present theatrical performances to the public each season. The Golden Triangle also has three well-established community theaters that offer regular seasons, dinner theater productions and children’s workshops. They are the Port Arthur Little Theatre - www.palt.org Beaumont Community Players and Orange Community Players.

The Julie Rogers Theatre and Jefferson Theatre in Beaumont and the Lutcher Theater in Orange host touring companies performing plays, musicals, concerts and dance pieces.

Visual Arts

In addition to the art exhibits of the many area museums, there are other galleries and organizations for the visual arts. They include the Texas Artists Museum, the Gulf Coast Art League, the Dishman Gallery at Lamar University, The Art Studio Inc., Art Museum of Southeast Texas and the Beaumont Art League. TAMS and the Art Studio regularly host events such as artists’ receptions and musical performances.

Ford Park

Conveniently located on IH-10 in Beaumont, the complex is the perfect destination to enjoy year-around sports and recreational activities. The multi-purpose complex includes a 9,500 seat air-conditioned multi-purpose arena, a 18,000 seat outdoor amphitheater, a 48,000-square-foot multi-use exhibition hall and meeting facilities, and over 70,000 square feet of agricultural facilities, including a barn and practice arena. To accommodate the region’s love of sports, Ford Park has constructed a world class 12 field sports complex capable of hosting youth baseball and girl’s fast pitch softball. Information (409) 951-5400 or http://www.fordparktx.com

Outdoor Recreation

Fishing and Hunting

Southeast Texas has been called a sportsman’s paradise, and the area’s moderate climate makes outdoor activity a year-round possibility. Hunting ducks, geese, dove, quail, deer or squirrel, and fishing for a wide variety of fresh- or saltwater fish, can be done within a few miles of the city limits.

Public fishing and waterfowl hunting are available in the J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area, Martin Dies State Park, McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge and Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. The lumber industry opens tens of thousands of acres of forest to the public every year for hunting. For the shooting enthusiast, several gun clubs as well as trap, skeet, rifle and pistol ranges operate in the area.

Water Sports and Beaches

The many area waterways and bays offer excellent opportunities for the boating enthusiast, whether it is power boats, sailing or canoeing, and Port Arthur has two marinas. Sabine Lake is a popular spot for windsurfing and fishing enthusiasts. The lake, Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend reservoirs and the Neches and Sabine rivers offer a wide range of water sport activity.

About 20 miles west of Port Arthur on the Gulf of Mexico, Sea Rim State Park provides beach recreation and camping facilities. McFaddin Beach next to Sea Rim and the Bolivar Peninsula are other popular recreational areas.

Bird Watching

Bird watching is popular along the Texas Gulf Coast, and Sabine Woods is a world-class bird sanctuary located near the Gulf. It is a major migratory path and is a favorite seasonal haunt for serious bird watchers. The Triangle Bird Club hosts its annual Exotic Bird Expo & Fair at the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center.

Golf

Golf is another popular activity year-round. Palms of Pleasure Island, an 18-hole championship golf course is situated between Sabine Lake and the intracoastal canal on Pleasure Island and Babe Zaharias Golf Course is Port Arthur’s 18-hole municipal course. Four other 18-hole courses are located within a 20-minute driving distance.

Hockey

The Texas Wildcatters are members of the East Conference Hockey League, America’s Premier AA Hockey League. Ford Park is home to the team’s 36 home games. The regular season lasts from October to April. Information call: 409-951-5500 or visit www.wildcattershockey.com

Recreational Facilities

Port Arthur’s many recreational facilities include a recently-expanded YMCA Family Fitness Center, a bowling center, 10 tennis courts, 3 racquetball courts, 3 baseball diamonds, 6 softball diamonds, 3 municipal pools, 2 athletic complexes and a disc golf course.

National Parks and Forests

McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge covers an area totaling 41,682 acres, and the Sea Rim National Wildlife Refuge covers an additional 5,109 acres. Other national parks and forests in the region include Big Thicket, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Angelina National Forest, Sabine National Forest, Davy Crockett National Forest and Sam Houston National Forest. Together these sites cover more than 750,000 acres of land.