By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
The Port Isabel–San Benito Navigation District Board of Commissioners set cleanup deadlines for a tenant, authorized potential legal action involving the Laguna Madre Yacht Club and South Point Marina, and granted preliminary approval for a new warehouse project during its March 12 meeting.
During public comment, tenant Daniel Bryant questioned how the district is enforcing lease provisions. Bryant said the one-year lease agreement requires tenants to maintain leased property in a clean, orderly and safe condition but does not specify some of the directives he said he recently received from port officials. He also pointed out that the lease document references the administrative director and argued the agreement should clearly reflect expectations placed on tenants.
Commissioners later discussed compliance concerns involving tenant Orlando Ochoa, whose dock space contains engines, motors and other equipment used in shrimp boat repairs. Ochoa said the materials are necessary for maintaining vessels and are expensive to replace, noting that shrimp boat operators are already facing economic pressures within the industry.
Following discussion and executive session, the board approved a motion allowing Ochoa until the end of 2026 to relocate heavy equipment and motors while requiring other debris and waste to be cleared by the end of March.
Commissioners also authorized legal counsel to initiate eviction proceedings against the Laguna Madre Yacht Club if proof of a valid lease is not provided by March 19.
In another action, the board directed legal counsel to contact South Point Marina’s attorney to request an action plan and timeline for roadway repairs, asking that the information be provided within 30 days.
The board also granted preliminary approval for Pilot to construct a 40,000-square-foot warehouse designed to meet 150-mile-per-hour wind standards. According to discussion during the meeting, the structure would be used to store company equipment and customer materials. Final approval will require a Cameron County building permit and submission of sealed engineering plans to the board.
Commissioners reviewed the February financial report, which showed approximately $117,478 in total income and about $23,075 in net income for the month. Board members questioned an engineering expense and bank service charges; staff later clarified the engineering entry was tied to an Economic Development Administration grant associated with the Pilot project.
The board also approved routine bills and authorized a $731.70 reimbursement to the Texas Department of Transportation related to a previous grant payment.
The next regular meeting of the navigation district board is scheduled for April 2 at 5:30 p.m.