Port of Galveston: A Major American Port and Economic Engine for Texas he Port of Galveston is one of the major seaports in Texas. The port is a self-supporting enterprise, that does not rely on any local tax dollars for operations. In fact, the Port of Galveston generates current annual operating revenues of approximately $35.8 million, and providesT an annual estimated economic impact to the state of Texas of more than $3.1 billion. As a Landlord Port, working in partnership with private sector partners, the Port of Galveston’s facilities and property include about 850 acres on Galveston Island and adjacent Pelican Island. The port facilitates the movement of a diverse mix of domestic and international cargoes and cruise passengers that deliver value to the region and the state. It also serves the cargo, cruise and offshore oil and gas industries simultaneously. Situated on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and the Interstate Highway System (I-45), the Port of Galveston is also served by the two major western Class 1 railroads, the BNSF Railway Company and the Union Pacific Railroad. The Galveston Ship Channel has an authorized depth of and is currently maintained at 45 feet, with channel widths up to 1,400 feet. The Port of Galveston is one of the top 50 ports in the nation, one the busiest seaports in Texas, and the fourth busiest cruise homeport in North America. Moreover, the port moves an average of 5.43 million short tons of cargo each year. This includes export grain, fertilizer and other dry and liquid bulk products, wind turbine towers, blades, nacelles and other components, high and heavy cargoes, and specialty project cargoes. It also handles new, used and personally owned vehicles, agricultural machinery, construction equipment and numerous other types of roll-on/roll-off cargoes, household goods, refrigerated fruit and produce, liner board, livestock and some containerized cargo. The port maintains Roll-On / Roll-Off (Ro-Ro) terminal facilities in both the east and west end areas of the property, currently serviced by six regular Ro-Ro shipping lines. Nearly all of the port’s facilities have direct access to the Port’s terminal railway services, Galveston Railroad LP, which interchanges with the Class 1 railroads. The Port of Galveston also is the grantee for Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) No. 36, an Alternative Site Framework (ASF) Zone with activated sites located on Galveston Island Port facilities, Pelican Island and other locations in Galveston County. More information about the Port of Galveston is available online at www.portofgalveston.com 16 Texas.Think.Global 2017 Texas Export Guide.