HOUSTON, Dec. 15, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Port of Houston Authority (PHA) commission approved several recommendations involving contract awards, bids and proposals, professional services and general administrative and operational matters during its meeting on Monday, December 15 at the Lou Lawler Seafarers Center in LaPorte, Texas. Chairman Jim Edmonds presided over the meeting, which was open to the public.
Security
The commission approved a recommendation to award a contract to TRC-ECON Capital, L.P. for security infrastructure enhancements. Under the estimated $12 million, three-year design/build contract, TRC-ECON is expected to prepare a security master plan and implement the design and construction of fences, closed-circuit television systems, facility access controls and other security enhancements.
The commission also approved a recommendation to execute a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will enable Global Environment & Technology Foundation (GETF) to help PHA develop and implement the first security management system (SMS) at a U.S. port. GETF will mentor, coach, and consult in the training and development of an integrated, multi-facility security system that can be managed, continually updated, and improved in a manner similar to PHA's environmental management system. The MOU covers services over a two-year period at an estimated cost of $45,000.
Advertising for Road Project Proposals
The commission approved technical plans and specifications and authorized PHA to advertise and receive competitive sealed proposals (CSPs) for construction of an east-west collector road to improve internal traffic flow and safety between four terminals at the Barbours Cut Container facility. Qualified prospective contractors will be invited by PHA to submit CSPs offering to provide concrete paving, high mast lighting upgrades, fire protection, pavement striping and other utility adjustments. The estimated cost of the project is expected to range between $2.3 million and $2.9 million.
Morgan's Point Hike & Bike Trail
The commission awarded an estimated $69,691 contract to R.W. Patrick and Associates, Inc. for professional services related to the second phase of construction for the Morgan's Point Hike & Bike Trail. The firm is expected to provide engineering, topographic, and geotechnical services, develop plans, specifications and estimates, and provide limited construction phase services.
The commission also approved an interlocal agreement between PHA and Harris County for hike and bike trail improvements along Bayridge Road. The commission's approval authorizes PHA to pay an estimated $300,315 to Harris County to cover a portion of the project funding for road improvements.
Greater Houston Partnership Agreements
The commission approved two recommendations involving the renewal of agreements with the Greater Houston Partnership. PHA will continue working closely with the GHP's Economic Development Division and Houston World Trade Association to promote business and trade, develop professional publications, and disseminate commercial information about the port to prospects in the U.S. and worldwide.
Chamber of Commerce Agreements
The commission approved recommendations to initiate agreements with East End Chamber of Commerce, Houston Citizens Chamber of Commerce, Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and North Channel Area Chamber of Commerce. PHA's agreements with the chambers will involve the initiation, continuation and expansion of several mutually beneficial activities, programs, and services to promote the development of international trade and business opportunities at the port for the chambers' members throughout the greater Houston region.
Media Campaign
The commission approved more than $1.1 million to cover the costs included in 16 media advertising partnership contracts to continue "The Port Delivers the Goods" branding and public awareness campaign in 2004. PHA's Public Affairs Division will execute contracts in excess of $25,000 each with the following media companies:
-- Houston Community Newspapers, Inc. -- Houston Chronicle -- Containerization International Magazine -- Time Warner Communications -- KPRC-TV Channel 2 (NBC) -- KHOU-TV Channel 11 (CBS) -- KTRK-TV Channel 13 (ABC) -- KUHT-TV Channel 8 (PBS) -- KRIV-TV Channel 26 (FOX) -- KHWB-TV Channel 39 (WB) -- KXLN-TV Channel 45 (UNIVISION) -- Clear Channel Communications (KODA-FM, KTRH-AM, KPRC-AM) -- Metro Networks -- KMJQ-FM "Majic 102" -- Liberman Broadcasting (LBI Media) -- PrimeZone Media Network
As originated in 2003, the campaign will also continue to include partnerships with several other diverse media companies whose contracts will total less than $25,000 each. The total 2004 budget for the campaign is $1.56 million.
"The Port Delivers the Goods" campaign is aimed at building local and national awareness of the port's maritime shipping capabilities and connection to consumer needs through a series of ads designed and produced by Gilbreath Communications, a certified small business contractor that participates in PHA's Small Business Development Program. The ads designed for the print media reflect a catalog style while the TV commercials incorporate exciting visual special effects complemented by the voice-over narrations of Chairman Edmonds (English) and Commissioner Janiece Longoria (Spanish). The campaign's radio messages, scripted in-house by PHA's Public Affairs Division, highlight various "factoids" about the port. Overall, the campaign balances creativity and credibility by delivering important information about the port in entertaining ways.
Pension Consulting Services
The commission approved a recommendation to award a two-year contract for Morgan Keegan & Co., Inc. to provide consulting services to the commission's pension committee. Morgan Keegan will assist the committee in reviewing the investment policy, performing an asset/liability analysis, reviewing the asset allocation and style strategy, performing an investment managers search and selection process, and monitoring and evaluating the performance of investment managers for PHA. The estimated annual cost is $40,000.
The next PHA Commission meeting will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2004 in the 4th floor board room of PHA Executive Office Building, located at 111 East Loop North in Houston. The meeting will be open to the public.
The Port of Houston Authority owns and operates the public facilities located along the Port of Houston, the 25-mile long complex of diversified public and private facilities designed for handling general cargo, containers, grain and other dry bulk materials, project and heavy lift cargo, and other types of cargo. Each year, more than 6,600 vessels call at the port, which ranks first in the U.S. in foreign waterborne tonnage, second in overall total tonnage, and sixth largest in the world. The Port Authority plays a vital role in ensuring navigational safety along the Houston Ship Channel, which has been instrumental in Houston's development as a center of international trade. The Barbours Cut Container Terminal and Central Maintenance Facility are the first of any U.S. port facilities to develop and implement an innovative Environmental Management System that meets the rigorous standards of ISO 14001. Additionally, the port is an approved delivery point for Coffee "C" futures contracts traded on the New York Board of Trade's Coffee, Sugar & Cocoa Exchange. For more information, please visit www.portofhouston.com.
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