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We wholeheartedly agree with the Port of Victoria issuing $6 million in bonds to repair and upgrade its facilities.
With the advent of the Kansas City Southern Railroad line bypassing Victoria to the city’s south, plans for an interstate along U.S. Highway 59 and U.S. Highway 77, the barge canal, which is in proximity of these transportation assets, completes a transportation cornucopia of trains, trucks and barges that would be extra attractive to industry.
The port’s ability and infrastructure must be in tip-top shape to accommodate any — any — industry interested in capitalizing on such a transportation Mecca.
The needed upgrades include the following:
$500,000 to improve roads so they can handle heavier traffic.
$2.5 million to strengthen the 50-year-old railroad bridge that spans the barge canal.
$1.5 million to refurbish and upgrade a dock at the port so it can distribute petroleum and possibly other products transported by water.
$1.5 million to improve rail, so trains can be transported to and from the port.
Taxpayers should know that the port does not intend to use tax money to pay off the bonds. Bonds will be paid off by revenue the port generates.
As with any business, self-investment reaps benefits. And, as the port becomes more attractive, more businesses and industries will take notice.
“We’re meeting nearly every day with representatives from different companies,” said Lee Swearingen, chairman of the Victoria County Navigation District.
We think Swearingen will be considering new contracts once these upgrades are made. We should support this important part of our region’s economic foundation, and we agree that these bonds should be issued for the port’s upgrades.