Business View Magazine | June 2020

9 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE JUNE 2020 Moves Forward on Expansion and Improvement Projects T he regular public meeting of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority on May 20 was conducted electronically and Chairman Ric Campo opened the meeting expressing gratitude to Executive Director Roger Guenther and “all those responsible, and the essential and critical employees,” in particular for “their unyielding commitment” to keep the port running by “showing up every day.” Campo also expressed his appreciation and support for the diverse cross-section of employees selected to help facilitate the “best, safest and most productive way” to “return to normal.” In his remarks, Executive Director Roger Guenther acknowledged the “amazing port community as a whole.” He stressed that Port Houston is still PORT HOUSTON PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE “planning for the future” and that while there are challenges, the missions and goals haven’t changed and “it’s important to strive for business as usual and plan for future growth.” Guenther highlighted that more than $36 million worth of projects and agreements were on the agenda for the Port Commission’s approval. He acknowledged that the entire industry is facing “major disruptive factors,” reflected in a recent easing in cargo volumes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he remains positive about its long-term outlook. Both gentlemen provided updates concerning Project 11, the public-private effort to widen and deepen the Houston Ship Channel, the nation’s busiest waterway. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee had included the project in their American Water Infrastructure Act. While an important development, work is still ahead as the project needs to be considered by the full Senate and House of Representatives. Gratitude Port Houston public terminals remain busy despite impacts due to the pandemic crisis. (Photo: Business Wire) OPENING L INES