By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
Port Isabel-San Benito Navigation District commissioners convened on Thursday, Feb. 26, for a regular board meeting that included updates on an Economic Development Administration (EDA) infrastructure grant project and a new grant application related to a proposed mobile travel lift for the port.
The board received an update on the EDA Grant Project for pilot infrastructure improvements, presented by consultant Salomon Torres and project engineer Antonio Reyna.
According to the presentation, the grant totals approximately $1.59 million, covering about 80 percent of the project cost, with the remaining portion provided as a local match.
Torres reported that engineering and preliminary work are in progress, including topographic surveying of the project site and a geotechnical soil assessment. This information helps determine design specifications for a proposed truck staging or “laydown” area intended to hold cargo trucks and port-related equipment.
Reyna told commissioners the design work on the construction plans is about 50 percent complete. He noted one of the main scheduling factors involves obtaining permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for structures known as dolphins.
In maritime construction, dolphins refer to groups of pilings driven into the water that extend above the surface and are used to guide, secure boats in place, or protect vessels and dock infrastructure.
Engineers estimate that permitting for the dolphins is about 30 percent complete, with a projected completion around June.
Commissioners also received an update on a Mobile Travel Lift Grant application seeking funding for studies related to a potential boat lift facility at the port.
A travel lift is a large mobile crane used in marinas and ports to lift boats and vessels out of the water for maintenance, repairs, or storage.
Torres explained the grant would fund feasibility studies, engineering, permitting, and operational planning required before installing such equipment. The study would evaluate two potential locations at the port.
Later in the meeting, commissioners approved the district’s monthly bills and then entered executive session to discuss several real estate matters, including the Texas Pack lease agreement, an update on the Laguna Madre Yacht Club, and other lease and property issues.
During Port Director Victor Barrera’s report, operational updates were provided and mentioned ongoing maintenance and equipment issues at the port.
Commissioners confirmed the next regular meeting to be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at the port’s Port Isabel headquarters.