The Port Commission of The Port of Houston Authority (PHA) approved advertising for proposals for the Bayport terminal's 48-acre Phase 1-Stage 2 container yard valued at up to $60 million, as well as issuance of a request for qualifications for professional services to design the Phase 2 yard with an additional 55 acres of container yard storage, at its regular Nov. 25 meeting.

(Agenda K9) Commissioners approved issuing a request for qualifications for professional services to design the Phase 2 container yard at Bayport Terminal. The design will provide for an additional 55 acres of container yard storage to meet growing demands. The design in 2009-2010 will enable phased construction to occur as rapidly as necessary to meet the terminal's actual demand. Estimated cost of construction is $55 million to $66 million.

(Agenda K10) Commissioners approved issuing a request for qualifications for professional services to design Wharf No. 4 and No. 5 at Bayport Container Terminal. This design will provide for the remaining 1,660 feet of wharf east of existing wharf areas and those currently being constructed. The consultant will also design associated dredging and material disposal, including storm water controls. The design will be consistent with and integrate into the existing wharf structures, pavements and site infrastructure.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

(Agenda G9) Commissioners approved awarding a professional services contract to PBS&J, Inc. for storm water quality consulting services for a term of two years for $200,000. The services are intended to assist the Environmental Affairs Department in addressing regulatory compliance, Environmental Management System goals and storm water quality projects and programs. The EAD has previously awarded general water quality consulting contracts covering storm water, waste water, drinking water and ballast eater. The current two-year water quality contract is due to end in December 2008.

To view the POH complete agenda, please visit: http://portofhouston.com/publicrelations/meetings.html

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 7,700 vessels call at the port, which ranks first in the U.S. in foreign waterborne tonnage and second in overall total tonnage. 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. PHA is the first port authority in the world to receive ISO 28000:2007 certification for Port Police and the perimeter security operations at both the Barbours Cut and Bayport Terminals. 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