[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 2, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E285]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            STRATEGIC DESIGNATION OF THE PORT OF PORT ARTHUR

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 2, 2010

  Mr. POE of Texas. 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.

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