Skip to main content

Port Houston Chairman Optimistic for the Essential Economic Driver

Published Oct 19, 2020 by Julia McGowen

Port of Houston

Houston’s position as an epicenter of international business and global trade is strengthened by our robust regional port system. Port Houston, the largest port by foreign tonnage in the nation, continues to show strong performance and contributions to the local and national economy.

In recent months, however, shipping logistics and traffic have had to deal with their share of challenges brought on by the economic downturn. Ric Campo, chairman of Port Houston, spoke about how the port has had to adapt at the Partnership’s State of the Port event on October 13.

Impacts Brought on by Pandemic, Energy Downturn 

Port Houston continues to see solid traffic, but Campo said the port is not immune to COVID-19 and its economic impacts and has seen declines in volume in 2020. The chairman reported that as of the end of September, Port Houston is down 3% year-to-date in container traffic, adding that total tonnage along the Houston Ship Channel is down 5.5% year-to-date through July.

Houston is familiar to the cyclical nature of the oil and gas industry. Though that is now coupled with a pandemic, Campo said Houston is sure to rebound, returning liquid bulk facilities and crude oil exports to pre-COVID volumes.

“Port of Houston international tonnage is still 70% ahead of the next closest U.S. port," he said. “Even with a weak year in 2020, the greater Port of Houston will remain the number on U.S. port for international trade.” 

An Emphasis on Community, Environmental Stewardship 

“One thing we cannot ignore in 2020 is the topic of racial equity, diversity and inclusion. This is also part of Port Houston’s strategic plan and we believe strongly that we need to be part of the solution,” said Campo. 

He pointed to one example of how Port Houston is addressing this through a recently commissioned study on the port’s small businesses and accessibility for minority-owned businesses. The report will help guide the system on how it can ensure suppliers and partners doing business at the port reflect the diversity of the region it serves. 

Campo said Port Houston became the first port authority in the world to make the switch to 100% renewable electricity this year. The move is estimated to eliminate 25,000 tons of carbon dioxide from the system’s footprint each year, equating to $250,000 savings annually. Campo noted that this switch is truly a win-win for Port Houston and serves as a model for how other major port authorities can maintain operations while lessening impacts on the environment. 

The chairman also discussed the port's efforts to engage in communities surrounding the ship channel through two-way communication opportunities, which open a dialogue to foster strong relationships with stakeholders and neighbors. Campo cited a partnership with Buffalo Bayou Partnership where the port has been working with the non-profit for decades to help keep the bayous clean and are embarking on the development of new green space on port property.  

Work on Port Expansion Continues 

Campo concluded by providing an update on perhaps the biggest initiatives in the systems recent history – the Houston Ship Channel Expansion known as Project 11, which is vital to maintaining the Houston Ship Channel as the economic powerhouse that it is today.

“We know the urgency of this expansion. It’s crucial and the time to act is now,” Campo said.

Port Houston is leading efforts to get the necessary federal appropriations to start the construction project sooner and to begin work in 2021.

During the 116th Congress in 2019, both the House and Senate authorized Project 11 in their respective versions of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) legislation. While congressional approval is pending, Port Houston continues to lead discussions with industry to find ways for industry to participate in half the cost of the channel expansion. 

Campo ended his address on an optimistic note.

“We are ready now and we will be ready then. Port Houston, and the Houston Ship Channel, have always been something you can count on during times of prosperity, times of recession, and now, times of pandemic. It will continue to bring economic value and jobs to our region today, tomorrow, and in the future.”

 

Click here for more information on Houston’s transportation and logistics industry. For more on Houston’s international business landscape, click here

Related News

Education

Texas Lawmakers Continue Reforming Small Colleges to Add More ‘Credentials of Value’

6/23/25
Houston is one of the nation’s biggest hubs for young professionals, thanks to strong job growth and an affordable cost of living. Between 2020 and 2024, the region added an estimated 240,000 new jobs, part of a broader economic boom across Texas. Now, a new law aims to build on that momentum by expanding access to workforce training and education programs. Senate Bill 1786 (SB 1786) was signed into law on May 27 and takes immediate effect to remove barriers for Texans seeking to enroll in local community and junior college programs. Additional provisions, including regional job demand studies and data analysis, will take effect on September 1. Free Courses for Disadvantaged StudentsSB 1786 expands free dual credit courses for economically disadvantaged students in grades 9–12, helping more Texans earn college credit before graduation. The law also addresses delays in the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s rulemaking for financial aid, speeding up access to grants and loans. It improves coordination across state and federal programs, including Jobs and Education for Texans (JET), P-TECH early college high schools, and TRUE reskilling programs. These changes will begin with the 2025–26 school year. Aligning Funding with Workforce Needs SB 1786 builds on the 2023 overhaul of the state’s community college finance system by tying funding to student outcomes, specifically: Earning degrees or industry-recognized credentials that lead to well-paying jobs Successfully transferring to four-year universities Completing targeted dual credit coursework Supporting  Business Growth and Regional Competitiveness By strengthening access to high-value credentials and aligning education funding with workforce outcomes, SB 1786 reinforces the region’s position as a destination for business investment and expansion. These reforms help ensure Houston has a pipeline of skilled talent ready to meet the needs of employers in high-growth sectors such as energy, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and technology. As the Partnership works to attract companies and jobs to the region, these policies send a strong signal that Houston is preparing its people for the careers of tomorrow. The law also strengthens the definition of a “credential of value” as one that helps a student earn more than a high school graduate and justifies the cost of their education. Credentials in high-demand sectors, such as healthcare and education, may also qualify. These updates will take effect in the 2027–28 school year. Workforce-Driven Reform The goal of SB 1786 is to reduce redundancy, maximize impact, and ensure postsecondary programs are aligned with the needs of Texas employers. By supporting this legislation, Houston’s business community is helping to sustain a robust talent pipeline for years to come.  
Read More
Education

Texas Lawmakers Expand Focus on High-Growth, High-Wage Job Training for High Schoolers

6/23/25
This week, the Partnership highlighted the Texas Legislature’s work to deliver a new pathway for college, career, and military readiness in public schools. House Bill 120 expands programs that enable high school students to focus on career-oriented education. Building on that foundation is House Bill 20 (HB 20), which prescribes the types of high-growth, high-wage jobs for which Texas students can now earn high school credit. The goal of the bill is to improve outcomes for high school juniors and seniors by allowing them to focus their classwork on industry-aligned skills rather than solely traditional courses. Prescribed Career Programs HB 20 specifies 20 targeted high-wage, high-growth occupations. Here’s the list of eligible career fields: Automotive technology  Aviation maintenance Carpentry Construction management and inspection Diesel and heavy equipment Electrical Electronics technology Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning Industrial maintenance and processes Information technology and cybersecurity Manufacturing and industrial technology Masonry Mechanical and aerospace engineering Oil and gas exploration and production Plumbing & pipe fitting Refining and chemical processes Robotics and automation Sheet metal Transportation, distribution, and logistics Welding Partnering with Local Colleges and Universities The bill requires public school districts to partner with local colleges and universities to offer these courses. This builds on the Legislature’s work from the 2023 session to expand the ability of community colleges to provide credentials of value. One key change is that students participating in these courses will receive high school credit, and the classes will be factored into the per-student funding formula for school districts. Students may also earn a Level 1 or Level 2 certification, credentials that can make them immediately hirable for in-demand job opportunities after graduation.  Prepared to Extend the Program HB 20 limits the program to a five-year pilot period ending in 2031. However, lawmakers have the authority to extend the program based on the outcome. The Texas Education Commissioner is also authorized to adjust the prescribed industries every five years to match job market needs.   Ready to Explore High-Growth Careers? Start Here. Do you have a Texas high school student or recent graduate exploring their career path? The Kinder Institute offers a Workforce Demand Dashboard that highlights high-demand jobs and career clusters, with a focus on specific industries. This tool helps students make informed decisions using real-time data on skills, wages, and opportunities. 
Read More

Related Events

Membership

Future of Texas | Texas Lawmakers Reflect on the 89th Texas Legislature

The Partnership invites Houston-area lawmakers for a panel discussion on the 89th Texas Legislature. Join us as we explore the topics tackled during the most recent legislative session in Austin. Water, workforce,…

Learn More
Learn More
Executive Partners