BEAUMONT, Texas — The Port of Beaumont unveiled a new $85 million dock Thursday, that will not only allow the Port of Beaumont to move more cargo but also create hundreds of jobs.
Officials tell 12News the dock represents where the water meets the land. The facility allows them to transport and receive cargo from all over the world.
"We're very happy to open that dock today and come rain or shine we're here, the port keeps on moving," said Executive Director and CEO of Port Of Beaumont Chris Fisher.
A ribbon cutting ceremony unveiled the Port of Beaumont's new Main Street Terminal One on Thursday, May 2.
"The trucks coming in and out, getting loaded and unloaded with cargo, we provide those facilities," Fisher said.
Fisher says this $85 million dock replaces the original that's been out of service since 2012.
"We went to the voters in 2017 and they passed a $85 million bond issue to support that dock and some other projects. We also got a grant from the Maritime Administration to pay about 18% of the dock, and we also got a grant from the Economic Development Administration for another $5 million," Fisher said.
The port brought community and government leaders together to celebrate the completion.
House Speaker Dade Phelan says it's another win for Southeast Texas.
"It dove tails really nicely with the new state funding they receive well over $22 million just for the Port of Beaumont. In all over $66 million, for all four ports here in Southeast Texas and they are growing by leaps and bounds," Speaker Phelan said.
Beaumont Mayor Roy West says that the growth of the new port will allow the area to thrive.
"This is a strategic port for the U.S. military and this is where they activate so much of their equipment that goes overseas. Clearly with the new dock and the growth of the port we can do all things better," said Mayor West.
Fisher says the dock is used to bring in construction materials for plants and even wood pulp for toilet paper.
"This will expand our usable dock facilities by 25% and create several hundreds of jobs," he said.
Fisher tells 12News that now that this project is finished, the port will be focusing on 18 more, including a new $29 million cargo lot that will be funded by the state.
They hope to have those projects completed in the next two years.