Port of Port Arthur hosts Lot 8 groundbreaking
Published 2:58 pm Friday, April 11, 2025
Executive Port Director Larry Kelley speaks at the groundbreaking for the Lot 8 project. (Cesar Cardenas/The News)
Port Commissioners Linda Spears, left, Randy Martin, Raymond Johnson, Mary Wycoff and TxDOT Program Coordinator Maritime Division break ground at Lot 8 in Port Arthur. (Cesar Cardenas/The News)
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The Port of Port Arthur has broken ground for its Lot 8 Project, a five-acre development set to enhance the port’s operational capabilities.
“This is a very important project to our community,” said Executive Port Director Larry Kelley. “It has taken a number of years to get it going, like all projects of value do. We went through a public bidding process design and we’ve gotten the award and now we’re happily getting a move on this project going.”
Lot 8 transforms a five-acre lot of an abandoned railyard into a concrete staging area designed for queuing, cargo handling and other multi-use operations. The investment supports a broad array of cargo, including military, energy sector, industrial expansion, building materials and project cargo.
“This project represents a strategic investment in our port’s infrastructure and our community. As we take on these projects of value, they typically involve a community improvement component. Underground utility relocation, removing derelict structures, improving drainage, curb, gutter, lighting, and sidewalks; the Lot 8 project is a good example. This project helps us remain competitive and relevant in the global market space. For Port Arthur, it drives local jobs and economic development,” said John Comeaux, Board President, Port of Port Arthur.
The project was made possible through a $1.5 million grant on a $2.0 million project from the Texas Department of Transportation’s Rider 37 Texas Mobility Fund, seeking to reinforce the state’s commitment to supporting freight mobility and port infrastructure. Funding for the project was approved in the 87th Texas Legislative Session in 2021.
“Like most grants, there is a rigorous application and review process. These projects of value take time. The project is locally designed and awarded to a local contractor.”, Comeaux said.
The groundbreaking took place April 9 at the project site located at the corner of Austin Avenue and 9th Street in Port Arthur. The Lot 8 project is expected to be completed before the end of the year, barring any delays.
