Port of Galveston Seeking to Unlock Pelican Island's Full PotentialBy Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves Port director and CEO

Galveston's port seeks to unlock Pelican Island's 357 undeveloped acres, including 100 adjacent to Davie Defense - Gulf Copper's shipyard. Plans call for a 1,000-foot berth and a 500-foot dock with mooring structures to support a $1 billion shipbuilding expansion and ro-ro cargo. Funding would come from port reserves with federal and state grants, targeting a $40 million berth and related improvements. The project would also enable LNG bunkering and create cargo capacity and jobs. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott joined June 1 the ceremony for the related Coast Guard icebreaker modernization, signaling broad support. Pelican Island development is tied to the port's 20-year master plan, including road improvements.