Estefany Ariza
PORT FREEPORT AWARDED $1.487 MILLION CLEAN PORTS PROGRAM GRANT BY THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
FREEPORT, TX (November 18, 2024) – Port Freeport is pleased to announce that it has been awarded $1,487,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports Program. This funding will enhance the port’s commitment to environmental innovation and community engagement by supporting zero-emissions equipment, infrastructure improvements, and climate planning initiatives.
“We are honored to receive this climate and clean air planning grant,” said Ravi Singhania, Chairman of the Port Freeport Commission. “Port Freeport is committed to building a resilient and sustainable port that delivers enduring benefits to our environment, economy, partners, and communities. This funding underscores our dedication to sustainability and responsible growth.”
The grant targets several areas designed to provide strategies for improving Port Freeport’s environmental impact and operational resilience. The planning effort will include creating a comprehensive emissions inventory, developing a port resiliency and implementation plan, and developing a performance measurement framework. The plan results will provide Port Freeport with actionable data and strategies, promoting a cleaner and more resilient future for the port and its surrounding communities.
“This grant is a tremendous opportunity for Port Freeport and our partners to advance our commitment to sustainable operations and growth,” said Phyllis Saathoff, Executive Director and CEO of Port Freeport. “We look forward to working collaboratively with our customers, transportation partners, port workers, and communities as we embark on this meaningful endeavor.”
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 allocated $3 billion to the EPA’s Clean Ports Program to fund zero-emission port equipment and climate planning at U.S. ports. This program aims to build a zero-emissions foundation across the port sector, improve public health, and include engagement of near-port communities.
Port Freeport is a leading port in the export of crude oil and natural gas liquids and ranks nationally as 6th in chemicals, 15th in total foreign waterborne tonnage, and 26th in containers. A 2022 Economic Impact Study by Texas A&M Transportation Institute revealed that, nationally, the Freeport Harbor Channel generates 266,300 jobs and has a total economic output of $157.3 billion. Port Freeport serves Alliera, Atlantic Container Lines, AMPORTS, BASF, Chiquita Fresh N.A., Dole Fresh Fruit, The Dow Chemical Company, Enterprise Products Partners, ExxonMobil, Freeport LNG, Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Glovis, Grimaldi Lines, Hoegh Autoliners, Kirby Marine, Liberty Global Logistics, Linde, MEGlobal, NYK RORO, Phillips 66, Riviana Foods, Inc., Sallaum Lines, Tenaris, U.S Department of Energy, Volkswagen Group of America, and Vulcan Materials Company.
Port Freeport is committed to keeping the local community informed of our operation and results.
Source: Port Freeport
