Vela Leads Bipartisan Congressional Delegation in South Texas Focusing on Transportation and Infrastructure Development

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Visits Port of Brownsville

BROWNSVILLE, TX – March 13, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) – U.S. Representative Filemon Vela, D-Texas, hosted U.S. Representative Bill Shuster, R-Pennsylvania, Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure at the Port of Brownsville. Chairman Shuster is participating in a bipartisan transportation and infrastructure congressional delegation visit to South Texas.

As chairman of the committee, Shuster is leading efforts in the U.S. House of Representative to craft a comprehensive legislative package focusing on the country’s transportation and infrastructure needs.

Vela is working closely with Shuster to ensure legislative authorization and funding for the I-69 project as well as the deepening of the Port of Brownsville.

“The Port of Brownsville is an economic engine for the entire region, and we must work closely with the Army Corp of Engineers to ensure we make needed improvements including deepening the port to accommodate future growth,” Shuster said. “I will continue to work with Filemon Vela to ensure that this project moves forward.”

“I thank Congressman Shuster for his leadership and commitment to helping grow the Port of Brownsville,” Vela said. “I’ll continue to work with him and other members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to ensure we prioritize this important project for South Texas.”

“Chairman Shuster understands the needs of the Port of Brownsville and I appreciate him visiting with us today,” Port Director Eddie Campirano said. “As we continue to plan the expansion and growth of the port and explore all avenues of funding, I thank Chairman Shuster for understanding the importance of the Port for our area.”

The Port of Brownsville is home to AmFELS, an offshore drilling producer that services oil rigs throughout the world. AmFELS is one of the largest employers in the Rio Grande Valley. During their tour of the Port, the congressional delegation was able to see firsthand the requirement to deepen the port from its current 42 feet to 52 feet to accommodate larger vessels and the future expansion of AmFELS.

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