The Port Authority scored a perfect 22 out of 22 items in securing the new platinum level award, Executive Director Roger Guenther noted during Tuesday’s regular meeting of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority. The Comptroller of Public Accounts launched the Leadership Circle program in 2009 to recognize local governments across Texas that strive to meet a high standard for financial transparency online.
Guenther also reported Tuesday that May 2014 operating revenues exceeded $23 million, the highest ever reported in a single month in PHA’s history. The increase in revenues was supported by growth in bulk cargos, in particular, steel, and leveraged value of real estate assets, he said.
In her remarks during the meeting, Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria reported on the Water Resources Reform and Development Act or WRRDA, signed into law by President Obama. The bill sets target appropriations for the full use of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund over time and contains provisions that would direct resources to “nationally significant ports” and “energy transfer ports.”
“Of course, our port fills both of those roles quite admirably,” Longoria said. “And our local Congressional delegation once again came together in a bipartisan way to meet the Port Authority’s needs in this legislation.”