Guerra: Success at the Port of Brownsville means success for Texas

The Port of Brownsville is leading the way for economic progress and stability in the Rio Grande Valley. 

As chairman of the Brownsville Navigation District, I’m proud to share the tremendous impact our port continues to deliver, not just for our region, but for the entire state of Texas. 

Since 1936 change at the Port of Brownsville has been constant. However, a few things remain the same. Our dedication to our stakeholders and communities and creating opportunities. According to our latest economic impact study, in 2023 the Port of Brownsville contributed more than $12 billion to the Texas economy, a 400% increase from 2019. This impressive growth reflects our growing capacity and our commitment to sustainable success for generations to come. 

The Port of Brownsville supports more than 10,000 jobs locally, generating $1.1 billion for our local economy. And these aren’t just jobs. These are livelihoods, supporting families, building communities and fueling opportunities. The benefits ripple beyond our region, providing more than 66,000 jobs and $3.8 billion in total personal income across the state.

Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra

And we’re proud that our successes at the Port of Brownsville mean success for Texans, connecting industries and innovation from our backyard to markets across the world. 

The numbers confirm what we already knew. The Port of Brownsville is a powerful economic engine. And this is more than just a port. This is power in motion. And we’re just getting started.

Editor’s Note: The above commentary was provided by Brownsville Navigation District Port Chairman Esteban Guerra.

About Esteban Guerra

In 2018, Chairman Esteban Guerra was elected to the Port of Brownsville. He was first appointed chairman of the Brownsville Navigation District Board of Commissioners in May 2022, and was reappointed to continue serving as chairman in May 2024.

As Chairman, he oversees the Brownsville Navigation District, the largest land-owning public port authority in the U.S., and the only deepwater seaport directly on the U.S./Mexico border. The Port of Brownsville is the driving economic engine for the Rio Grande Valley and a major international multimodal transportation hub for Texas and the U.S., consistently setting records for the volume of cargo movements.

Chairman Guerra has played a pivotal role in fostering sustainable economic development within the Rio Grande Valley. His leadership has attracted significant multi-billion-dollar business investments to the region, notably the Rio Grande LNG project, recognized as the largest greenfield energy project financing in U.S. history. This initiative has not only bolstered the local economy but has also created thousands of well-paying jobs.

During his tenure, Chairman Guerra has overseen major infrastructure endeavors, including the $400 million Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project. This crucial initiative involves deepening the ship channel from 42 to 52 feet, paving the way for larger vessels, increased cargo capacity, and consequently, job expansion throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Additionally, he has championed the rehabilitation of docks, roads, and critical infrastructure, alongside the development of a 118-acre shovel-ready business park.

Under Chairman Guerra’s stewardship, the Port of Brownsville has consistently achieved excellence, receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for an impressive 11 consecutive years. This recognition underscores his commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparent financial management, further solidifying the port’s reputation as a beacon of economic success in the region.

Chairman Guerra attended the University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas, from 2000-2005, and focused his studies on international business. His focus has been in economic development having served as chairman of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation, promoting industrial growth and greater access to good paying jobs for the region.

He and his wife, Krystal, reside in Brownsville and are the parents of three beautiful girls: Andrea Sofia, Daniela and Natalia.

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