HOUSTON PORT REGION
FEDERAL PRIORITIES 2026
Federal priorities for the Houston Port region strengthen the nation’s busiest export hub and global petrochemical center by modernizing infrastructure, boosting mobility, supporting workforce development, and securing critical imports to safeguard supply chains and U.S. competitiveness. PORT INFRASTRUCTURE $22M in BUILD grant funding through the FAST Program to accelerate Phase 2 of the Bayport Southern Access Road, strengthening a critical national trade corridor. H.R. 3705 / S.1278 to improve vessel safety and navigation in coastal waterways, reduce port disruptions and economic losses caused by low-visibility conditions. Equitable HMTF allocations to Energy Transfer ports, boost navigation project efficiency, cost savings, and ensure WRDA language prevents undue fees on districts. FREIGHT MOBILITY DRIVE Safe Act to train drivers under 21 to ease the trucker shortage. 6-axle, 91,000-pound trucks: Allowed on Interstates to move goods more efficiently. Surface Transportation Board reform: Expanding access to competitive rail, boosting freight mobility. INFRASTRUCTURE & TRANSPORTATION A surface transportation reauthorization signed into law in 2026 that boosts infrastructure investments, funding for the Highway Trust Fund, strengthened supply chains, modernized water systems, and common sense permitting. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Fully fund/implement short-term Workforce Pell Grants along with recognizing the importance of funding workforce training programs and regional centers of excellence. COASTAL TEXAS PROJECT Request for $25 million in FY2027 federal appropriations for the project to enable USACE to assist with the design and environmental compliance for the Bolivar Roads Gate System and the West Galveston–Bolivar Peninsula Beach and Dune Systems. TARIFF EXEMPTIONS FOR CRITICAL INPUTS Federal legislation creating a clear exemption process for imported materials or equipment when no domestic alternative exists.
HOUSTON PORT REGION ECONOMIC ACTIVITY BENEFITS THE ENTIRE U.S. ECONOMY
20%
TEXAS GDP
$906B
U.S. ECONOMIC VALUE
#1 U.S. PORT Foreign & domestic tons 250+ COMPANIES Petrochemical, Manufacturing, Maritime, and Logistics SKILLED JOBS 1.54M jobs in Texas 3.37M jobs in U.S.