By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
Community improvements, financial stewardship and long-term growth opportunities shaped discussion at the Jan. 30 meeting of the Port Isabel–San Benito Navigation District Board of Commissioners.
Meeting at the district’s offices in Port Isabel, commissioners worked through a full agenda focused on maintaining safe, efficient facilities while planning responsibly for the port’s future.
The board approved the port’s 2024 audit along with monthly financial reports for November and December 2025 and the fourth-quarter investment report. Commissioners also authorized transferring $1.5 million from the district’s operating account into its TexPool investment account, a move consistent with district financial policies.
During discussion, Commissioner Jose Morales encouraged the board to monitor interest rate trends when considering future investments. Morales noted that some funds currently earn lower variable rates and suggested the district remain open to options that could provide stronger returns while still meeting public fund safety requirements. The conversation underscored the board’s role in both managing and growing community resources.
Several agenda items focused on day-to-day operations that directly affect port users. Commissioners approved the purchase of a new security camera system and discussed additional steps to limit unauthorized access to port property, emphasizing safety for tenants, workers and visitors. As part of that discussion, Secretary Commissioner Duvie Woods noted that if the district were to establish a guard station in the future, it would make the most sense to have a guard on duty from sundown to sunup, the hours when the port is most vulnerable and activity is harder to monitor.
The board also moved forward on acquiring a mobile travel lift used to remove boats from the water for maintenance and repairs. Port Director Victor Barrera reported that the lift under consideration is a 2018 model with fewer operating hours than a previously reviewed option and would include a warranty. Additional approvals included a truck trailer, a GPS system for port vehicles and a trash and water pump to support ongoing operations.
Barrera’s report highlighted recent maintenance work by port crews, including repainting interior doors and frames and upgrading lighting in and around the boat barn. He also noted ongoing trash container service to keep facilities clean and functional.
Looking ahead, Barrera shared early conversations with representatives connected to luxury yacht-style cruise operations about the possibility of future visits to the port. The idea of attracting yachts or small cruise liners is not new; Morales first brought the concept to the board when he became commissioner in May 2023 and asked Barrera to begin exploring its feasibility. While still preliminary, officials said such partnerships could bring added tourism and economic activity to the area.
Barrera also met with marine engineering representatives to discuss potential dredging or infrastructure studies, with preliminary cost estimates ranging from $50,000 to $80,000.
Commissioners also approved $20,000 in scholarships to be awarded to students from four area high schools. Morales said supporting local students, particularly those interested in maritime, technical and trade-related careers, is one way the district invests back into the community while helping build a future workforce connected to the waterfront economy and the board members agreed unanimously.
After meeting in executive session on personnel, lease and legal matters, the board set its next regular meeting for Feb. 12 before adjourning, reaffirming its focus on keeping the port safe, financially sound and beneficial to the surrounding community.
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