Port's Presentation to the Contractors Business Development Group

Nov 20, 2020

L to R: Mic Cowart, Port Director, Sabine Pass Authority; Larry Kelley, Port Director/CEO POPA;
Paige Snyder, Membership Director,
PACOC, Natalia Leija, Financial Secretary, POPA;
Travis Woods, T&L Solutions;
Anthony Theriot, Director of Trade, POPA.

On Wednesday, November 11, 2020 the Port of Port Arthur sponsored the monthly Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce Contractors Business Development Group Program. Also, the Golden Triangle Emergency Center team sponsored the breakfast. Presenters included port employees Natalia Leija, Anthony Theriot, Ed Long and Larry Kelley. The port introduced their updated diversity in contracting program; supporting efforts to increase business participation by local, minority, women owned, veteran, disabled veteran and Historically Underutilized Businesses, HUB. The port provided guidance to contractors regarding the program. All contractors are encouraged to visit the port’s website, www.portpa.com , select business then procurement and enter some basic contractor information.

                                                                     

 

Port of Sabine Pass

“I want to thank the Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce and Travis Wood for the opportunity to meet and speak with contractors interested in expanding their business. This is an incredible forum for a contractor to learn of business development opportunities in our region. The monthly meeting is important to the port and is why we chose this venue to launch the port’s rebranding effort and “Opportunity Docks Here” outreach. Said Larry Kelley, Port Director/CEO. 

 Sabine Pass Port Authority Manager Mic Cowart introduced 3 upcoming capital projects that will allow the Port Authority to grow their business and provide for more diversification of the type of vessels that utilize the shallow water port facilities.

Cowart stated that currently all available dock space is leased out, to meet the increase in demand for docking space, the Port plans to add a 400’ extension off of the existing cement dock and will design the extension to accommodate a variety of vessels including, shrimp boats, offshore supply work boats and barges. The barge type vessels will be a new customer class that the Port has not served in the past but based on feedback from local industry, barges will be become more and more utilized in our area.

The second project will be a 200’ pipe and beam wall that will be in front of the bulk fuel marine terminal. Cowart states that they have partnered with Reladyne Marine to provide fuel services on the water and this business continues to expand.

The other business component of the Port Authority’s operations is a full-service marina. The marina has 90 boat slips that will accommodate boats ranging in size from 20’ bay boats to 60’ sportfishing yachts. Overtime the marina has silted in and the third project the Port has planned is a complete dredging of the marina back to its original depth of 8’.

While talking about the projects Cowart also discussed their involvement in building artificial reefs in the Sabine Pass area. Cowart stated they are working with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Coastal Conservation Association along with area industry to maintain marine habitat that will provide great fishing opportunities for local anglers. However, Cowart did state this initiative does need more involvement from the entire community, industry and the contractor work force to achieve the goal. 

The Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce would like to thank our guest speakers, breakfast sponsor and all those who attended. This is just another example of local opportunities and how to get involved in the chamber. To join our team, contact Paige Snyder, IOM and membership director.


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