By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
The Port Isabel-San Benito Navigation District Board of Commissioners discussed future growth opportunities, property boundaries and grant funding during its June 4 regular meeting.
Commissioners approved moving forward with a request for qualifications (RFQ) process to explore expanding the district’s administrative building and board meeting room. The board also voted to include a possible rooftop observation deck in the proposal process, allowing firms to provide cost estimates and design concepts before any final decision is made.
During the discussion, Commissioner Jose Morales said the observation deck could serve as more than a viewing area for SpaceX launches. Morales argued that the facility could help attract legislators, grant officials and other decision-makers to the port, allowing them to see the district’s operations and future potential firsthand.
Morales noted that many governmental entities spend significant resources lobbying for projects and funding opportunities. He suggested that bringing visitors to the port could help showcase the Navigation District as an important asset worthy of future investment and grant support. Morales also pointed to the district’s view of SpaceX launches as a unique opportunity to host visitors and increase awareness of the port.
Some commissioners expressed reservations about moving forward immediately with construction of an observation deck, citing other ongoing projects and expenses. The board ultimately agreed to include the concept as part of the proposal process so costs and feasibility can be evaluated before any final decisions are made.
The board also received an update from surveyor Jose Medina regarding a district-wide boundary survey aimed at determining the exact extent of Navigation District property holdings.
Medina reported that approximately 90 to 95 percent of the fieldwork has been completed. Based on deeds and land records reviewed so far, he has identified approximately 543 acres that can currently be confirmed as district property. Additional title research is underway to determine whether more acreage may belong to the district.
Commissioners expressed interest in historical property agreements and whether additional acreage could be confirmed as Navigation District property. Board members said the survey will provide important information for future planning, lease agreements and potential development opportunities.
Port Director Victor Barrera also reported that the district submitted a grant application seeking $10 million for Inner Harbor improvements with a proposed 10 percent local match. Barrera said he was optimistic about the application’s prospects.
Barrera further reported that two new full-time maintenance employees recently began work for the district. He said the district also hired a full-time administrative assistant and a part-time assistant. During the meeting, Hilda Zermano was introduced to commissioners as the new full-time administrative assistant and shared her background in business administration, office management and education.
In other business, commissioners tabled discussions regarding banking services, oil waste disposal options for tenants and revisions to the employee handbook pending additional information and review.
The next regular meeting of the Port Isabel-San Benito Navigation District Board of Commissioners is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the district’s administrative office, 250 Industrial Drive in Port Isabel.
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