Port Freeport impact up 76 percent in three years

FREEPORT – Port Freeport generated $17.9 billion of economic activity in Texas in 2011, up 76 percent from $10.2 billion in 2008, according to a newly released economic impact study by John C. Martin Associates LLC.

Over the same three-year span, the total number of jobs related to Port Freeport grew 21 percent, to 66,689, and associated personal income was up 35 percent, to nearly $6.2 billion.

State and local tax revenue generated by Port activity gained 26 percent, to $487.1 million.

Investments in Brazoria County industry over the coming six to seven years will exceed $20 billion, lead to almost 20,000 in construction hires and generate approximately 1,000 new permanent positions, according to the Brazosport Chamber of Commerce.

Companies making major facility investments in Brazoria County include Chevron Phillips Chemical Co., the Dow Chemical Co., BASF SE., Phillips 66 Co. and Shintech Inc.

Most of the development is related to the booming Eagle Ford Shale oil and natural gas play.

Port Freeport currently ranks 16th among U.S. ports in international cargo tonnage handled.