Startup Houston

Gov. Rick Perry moved the creation of a Houston port security district closer to reality by executing Texas House Bill 3011 which authorized the public-private partnership. The Ship Channel Security District will be responsible for overseeing and managing public fund allocation for ship channel development and maintenance. Over $31 million has been spent since 2004 on Port initiatives to date.

The Port of Houston contributes over $13 billion directly into the Texas economy each year and is the 3rd largest in the US (8th largest in the world.) A 2006 study by Cambridge Systematics identified the Port of Houston as the major benefiter of the Panama Canal expansion. The report also stated that when the canal expansion is completed by 2015:

“the Port of Houston’s growth rate will most likely increase significantly, placing pressure on terminal operators, trucking companies, railroads, state and local transportation planning agencies, and other stakeholders in the maritime and transportation communities to maintain operational efficiency on or around port facilities.”

Throw on top of all that an additional $8.6 million in Tier 1 Port Security Grants from the Department of Homeland Security and what you get are business opportunities galore. Wal-Mart has built itself a 4-million-square-foot distribution center in the Houston Ship Channel area to take advantage of the expected port growth.

If this is not an opportunity for technology deployment for security purposes as well as logistics services, then we as entrepreneurs and technologists are not paying attention. Anyone who can identify some companies taking advantage of all this is greatly appreciated.