• David Tewes •
• Originally published July 22, 2008 at 3:27 a.m., updated July 22, 2008 at 3:27 a.m.

A proposed $6 million bond issue for Port of Victoria improvements appeared to have the backing of the county commissioners court Monday.

And the court was pleased that no tax money would be involved because the bonds will be paid off with income produced by the port.

“All of these things mentioned are sorely needed,” County Judge Don Pozzi said. “I think it’s a shame the public doesn’t go out there enough and see what kind of asset we have.”

Lee Swearingen, chairman of the Victoria County Navigation District, gave the commissioners court a briefing on how the money will be spent.

The largest expenditure will be for refurbishing and upgrading the railroad lift bridge over the barge canal connecting the port to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The bridge is more than 50 years old.

“I’ve seen that lift bridge and it needs some work,” County Commissioner Chris Rivera said. “It’s in pretty bad shape.”

Other items that will be paid for with the bond money are:

$1.5 million to refurbish and upgrade a dock at the Port of Victoria so it can distribute petroleum and possibly other products transported by water.

$1.5 million for rail and rail spur improvements for transportation of products to and from the port.

$500,000 to improve internal roads on port property so they can handle heavier and more frequent truck traffic.

David Tewes is a reporter for the Advocate. Contact him at 361-580-6515 or dtewes@vicad.com, or comment on this story at www.VictoriaAdvocate.com.

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