TIGER grant funding supports regional and national economic growth
U.S. Maritime Administrator Paul Chip’ Jaenichen joined state and local officials in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of a marine cargo dock at the Port of Brownsville. The $27.5 million project, of which $12 million was provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) through its Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) competitive infrastructure grant program, will increase cargo capacity and efficiency and help to mitigate congestion in port operations. The Port of Brownsville matched funds for road, lighting and other improvements.
“The Department is proud that this TIGER Grant is strongly supporting the Port of Brownsville’s rise as a regional and international trade hub,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.
“Guaranteed funding is essential for Brownsville and communities across the country so that projects like this one can be built – helping the country remain strong and competitive today and into the future.”
The new 600-ft long marine cargo dock and storage yard enables the port to significantly boost capacity and freight volume, making the facility more competitive with domestic and foreign ports in the Gulf region. According to the Port of Brownsville, the port generates $2 billion in economic activity annually for the state of Texas, and more than 11,000 direct and related jobs that impact the local and regional economy.
“This is a great example of transportation providing opportunity,” Administrator Jaenichen said. “This new dock will help the Port of Brownsville keep American exports flowing smoothly to foreign markets, while delivering jobs and spurring economic growth for South Texas businesses and communities.”
Source: U.S. DOT
