USA: PHA Step Closer to Bayport Channel Dredging

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has furnished the Port of Houston Authority (PHA) its draft permit for the Bayport Channel Improvement project, Executive Director Roger Guenther reported to the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority yesterday. The draft permit for Barbours Cut channel dredging will follow soon, he said.

The projects at the Port Authority’s two container terminals, which will deepen the channels from 40 feet to 45 feet to match the depth of the Houston Ship Channel, are expected to begin shortly.

Reporting on a recent Audit Committee meeting, Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria said the financial statement audit of the Port Authority for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, received an unqualified or “clean” audit opinion from external auditors, Grant Thornton LLP, regarding the Authority’s financial records.

“The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report or ‘CAFR’ continues to meet rigorous governmental accounting and financial reporting standards, and for the year ended December 31, 2013, reveals a 7 percent or $68 million improvement in the net position of the Port Authority,” Longoria said. “This illustrates sound operating and financial management by the staff with oversight of the Audit Committee on behalf of the Harris County taxpayers and surrounding municipalities.”

The Port Commission approved the 2013 Port of Houston Authority CAFR during its regular monthly meeting. They also approved entering into a Memorandum of Friendship and Trade Cooperation between the Port of Antwerp Authority, Belgium, and the Port Authority.

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Press Release, April 23, 2014