GUEST SPEAKER: Bruce Mann, Director, Freight Mobility at Port Of Houston Authority
Responsible for maritime related freight transportation activities (including but not limited to rail, roadway, and barge transportation). Identify and support freight transportation projects that improve access to Port of Houston facilities (public and private) in order to enable growth in commerce, increase transportation options and reduce transportation costs.
Work with industry stakeholders to identify current and future rail, roadway, barge, and other freight transportation needs and priorities. Assist in studies that identify and prioritize maritime related freight transportation improvement projects (including road, rail, and barge). Identify funding opportunities and policies that support maritime related freight road, rail, and barge projects. present the Port Authority on the advisory group to TxDOT freight rail study. Staff lead to Harris County and Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) for all freight mobility projects. Conduct regular meetings of the Port Authority, the users of the Barbours Cut Rail Ramp, the railroads, and the contract operator of the Rail Ramp to identify and resolve issues. Coordinate the Port Authority’s involvement in the Gulf Coast Freight Rail District and in establishing the cooperation of the railroad, the governance of the corridors, and repayments of corridor improvements. Assist the operations managers of POHA Terminals with railroad issues. Keep current with freight technology systems that could potentially benefit PHA. Responsible for supporting senior leadership in negotiations relating to potential rail mergers. Monitor rail service levels to/from Houston and on the Port Terminal Railroad Association (PTRA). Monitor PTRA capital investment levels in Port Authority-owned track structure. Represent the Port Authority on various committees such as the Greater Houston Partnership’s Transportation and Infrastructure Advisory Committee and Freight Rail Committee.
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