By JACQI LEYVA HILL
Special to the NEWS
PORT ISABEL, TX—The Navigation District Board of Commissioners discussed future growth opportunities, property boundaries, and grant funding at its June 4 regular meeting.
Port Isabel-San Benito Navigation District (PISBND) Commissioners approved proceeding with a request for qualifications (RFQ) to explore expanding the district’s administrative building and board meeting room.
The board also voted to include a potential rooftop observation deck in the proposal process, allowing firms to submit cost estimates and design concepts before any final decision is made.
During the discussion, PISBND Commissioner Jose Morales said the observation deck could serve as more than a viewing area for SpaceX launches.
Morales remarked that the facility could attract legislators, government officials, and other decision-makers to the port, allowing them to see the district’s operations and future potential firsthand.
Morales noted that many government entities spend significant resources lobbying for projects and funding opportunities. He suggested that bringing visitors to the port could showcase the Navigation District as an important asset worthy of future investment and grant support.
Morales also highlighted the district’s view of SpaceX launches as a unique opportunity to attract visitors and raise awareness of the port.
Some commissioners expressed reservations about proceeding immediately with the construction of an observation deck, citing other ongoing projects and expenses.
The board ultimately agreed to include the concept in the proposal process so that costs and feasibility can be evaluated before any final decisions are reached.
The board also received an update from surveyor Jose Medina regarding a district-wide boundary survey to determine the exact extent of Navigation District property holdings.
Medina reported that approximately 90-95% of the fieldwork has been completed.
Based on deeds and land records reviewed to date, he has identified approximately 543 acres that can be confirmed as district property. Additional title research is underway to determine whether additional acreage may belong to the district.
Commissioners expressed interest in historical property agreements and in whether additional acreage could be confirmed as Navigation District property.
Board members said the survey will provide important information for future planning, lease agreements, and potential development opportunities.
Port Director Victor Barrera also reported that the district submitted a $10 million grant application for Inner Harbor improvements, with a proposed 10 percent local match.
Barrera said he was optimistic about the application’s prospects.
Barrera further reported that two new full-time maintenance employees recently started with the district. He said the district also hired a full-time administrative assistant and a part-time assistant.
During the meeting, Hilda Zermano was introduced to commissioners as the new full-time administrative assistant and shared her background in business administration, office management, and education.
In other business, commissioners tabled discussions on banking services, oil-waste disposal options for tenants, and revisions to the employee handbook pending additional information and review.
The next regular meeting of the Port Isabel-San Benito Navigation District Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the district’s administrative office, 250 Industrial Drive, Port Isabel.
District discusses scholarships, staffing
During its regular meeting on May 21, the Port Isabel-San Benito Navigation District Board of Commissioners approved a federal grant application seeking $7.1 million for port infrastructure improvements and authorized a new hire.
Commissioners voted to submit an application to the Maritime Administration (MARAD) for the Port Infrastructure Development Program. The grant is funding a study, building reconstruction, and other facility improvements.
The board also committed to a 20% funding match if the grant is awarded.
Returning from executive session, the board also took action on two real property matters — a PILOT agreement for the 2000 Port Road Building Lease and an American Tower lease renewal — though the details of those actions were not discussed in open session.
Earlier in the meeting, commissioners approved sending scholarship payments directly to colleges on behalf of students from Santa Maria ISD and IDEA Public Schools–San Benito, rather than issuing checks to students individually.
Funds are being disbursed using the student’s ID number to ensure proper account credit. Colleges are to return unused funds to the district if a student withdraws within 21 days of enrollment.
The board also approved hiring a part-time administrative assistant, approximately 28 hours per week, to support district operations, with Commissioner Joe Martinez urging a quick hire ahead of anticipated operational changes.
“Hire as fast as you can,” said Commissioner Jose Morales.