The Port of Victoria Eyes Partnerships With Local Governments to Maximize Opportunities

18 Mar 2022


News

On Tuesday, January 19th, the Victoria County Navigation District, which owns and operates the Port of Victoria, will consider approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Victoria County, the City of Victoria, the Victoria Sales Tax Development Corporation, and the Victoria Regional Airport with the goal of stimulating industry and commerce in Victoria County. This agreement signifies the importance of strong relationships and collaboration between local government entities in creating new jobs, expanding infrastructure, and, most importantly, improving economic opportunity and quality of life for the citizens of Victoria County.

Throughout its history, the Port of Victoria has worked closely with these entities on various projects and economic development activities, but this agreement goes a step further. Robby Burdge, Chairman of the Navigation District Commission, believes this community-oriented approach will lead to a successful future for Victoria County, stating:

"One of Victoria's greatest strengths has always been our ability to work together. This agreement represents our commitment to that teamwork through a collaborative approach to improve our community through economic development."

The MOU identifies several beneficial activities the entities may participate in to further economic development and support growth in Victoria County, including; strategic planning, joint marketing campaigns, economic analysis, and the sharing of available information and development resources. The city and county also have the MOU on their meeting agendas next week, with the remaining entities expected to approve the MOU by the end of the month.

The Victoria County Navigation District was created in 1946 and established the Port of Victoria in 1968 upon completion of the 35-mile Victoria Barge Canal. With over 2,000 acres available for commercial and industrial development, its location within a Foreign Trade Zone and a Texas Enterprise Zone, access to rail and highway transportation, proximity to the airport, and a canal that meets Gulf Intracoastal Waterway parameters, the Port of Victoria is full of potential! To date, the port has created over 500 jobs in the area and has an estimated annual impact of close to $9.0 billion on the economy. This agreement is one of many exciting announcements the Port of Victoria has for 2021, and we are thrilled about the possibilities this brings our community.