Port of Authority

The Port of Houston is the tenth-largest port in the world, ranking first in the nation in foreign waterborne tonnage and second in total tonnage. Each year, more that 7,500 vessels and 150,000 barges ship goods through the port, and more than 100 steamship lines offer service, linking Houston with 1,000 ports around the world. A vital element in the infrastructure of Houston and the region, the port maintains a high level of commercial prominence that solidifies its status as a major gateway to global commerce.

A cornerstone of the North Channel economy, the Port of Houston is a 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. Overall, more than 785,000 jobs throughout Texas are directly and indirectly related to the diverse global trade and commerce activities at the port. In addition, port-related businesses contribute more than $3.1 billion in state and local tax revenues.

For a waterborne tour of one of the busiest ports in the world, the M/V Sam Houston public charter tour boat offers free 90-minute round-trip cruises along the Houston Ship Channel. Every year, thousands of sightseers board the tour boat and enjoy views of modern marine terminal operations and massive cargo vessels carrying goods arriving from, and destined to, ports around the world. For information, call (713) 670-2416, Monday through Thursday between 8 am and 5 pm. Advance reservations are required. For online reservations, visit www.portofhouston.com.

Government

Houston has a mayor-council form of government, with the mayor and 14 council members serving as the legislative body. These 15 officials and the city controller are elected for two-year terms that run concurrently. A county judge and four commissioners who perform the principal administrative and legislative functions of the county govern Harris County. They serve four-year terms.

.....Back