Capitol Words a project of the Sunlight Foundation

Rep. Ted Poe

Madam Speaker, today the Second District of Texas is proud to honor the Port of Port Arthur for their designation as a Strategic Seaport by the Department of the Army's Military Surface and Distribution Command. They join the nearby Port of Beaumont and the Port of Corpus Christi as the only Strategic Seaports on the Gulf Coast.

The Port of Beaumont is U.S.'s busiest shipper of military cargo, being home of the 842nd Transportation Battalion. The Port of Port Arthur has handled their overflow since November 2007, totaling 9 ships. Now after this honor, Port Arthur can continue to work on overflow while also receiving shipments directly.

The convenient connection between these two ports allow for the ability to quickly and efficiently mobilize and deploy military forces as well as equipment and supplies. The Sabine-Neches Ship Channel is the only one in the Nation with two Strategic Ports, making it the most vital military shipping portal in the U.S.

This designation for the Port of Port Arthur is shared with only a small percentage of U.S. seaports. Port Arthur beat out 11 other Gulf Coast ports, including ones in Houston and New Orleans, for the decoration. The Port of Port Arthur hopes to add jobs for those associated with the shipping industry, which would be an outstanding benefit for all of Southeast Texas.

The Port of Port Arthur has worked since 2000 to upgrade their facilities to meet the military's qualifications. They have worked hard to strengthen the port's ability to serve more customers and there's no more important customer than our nation's military.

The Second Congressional District of Texas commends the Port of Port Arthur and their employees for their hard work and dedication to make this designation possible. Port Arthur can now stand shoulder to shoulder with the finest ports in the world.