Wood: At the Port of Brownsville, we’ve made bold strategic infrastructure investments

The Port of Brownsville is paving the way for a prosperous future. Hi, I’m John Wood, and I’m proud to represent our community on the Brownsville Navigation District Board of Commissioners. 

The maritime industry delivers Texas sized results. For fiscal years 2024 and 2025 the Port of Brownsville is investing over $640 million in transformative infrastructure projects. 

A recent economic impact study shows that for every dollar invested in the Port, more than $53 is returned to the Texas economy, creating jobs, generating growth and economic value. Now that’s impact.

At the Port of Brownsville, we’ve made bold strategic infrastructure investments to meet the demands of modern global trade, from rehabilitating roads and docks to acquiring new equipment and expanding cargo patios and lay-down yards, every project we undertake strengthens our ability to serve our partners and our region. 

Brownsville Navigation District Commissioner John Wood.

Currently in the works, our Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project is one of the most transformative infrastructure initiatives in our Port’s history. We’re deepening the ship channel from 42 to 52 feet, unlocking new capabilities and positioning the Port of Brownsville to handle larger vessels and greater cargo volumes. This strategic initiative enhances the Port’s competitiveness, improves safety and opens new trade routes. 

The channel deepening project is on schedule for completion by mid-2026. This project is funded through an innovative public-private partnership with the Port of Brownsville, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and NextDecade LNG.

With deeper waters and broader vision, the Port of Brownsville is setting our region on a course for long-term success.

Editor’s Note: The above commentary was provided by Brownsville Navigation District Commissioner John Wood.

About John Wood

Longtime civic and community leader John Wood was elected to the Brownsville Navigation District Board of Commissioners in May 2014. A licensed real estate broker, entrepreneur and former city of Brownsville and Cameron County commissioner, Mr. Wood brings a unique perspective to the board of commissioners. Mr. Wood currently serves as co-chair of the Gulf Task Force of the U.S.-Mexico Border 2020 Environmental Program, a partnership of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Mexico’s SEMARNAT (the counterpart to EPA).

Additionally, he is past vice-chair of the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority. Mr. Wood has served as an officer for various nonprofit and professional organizations including the United Way, Brownsville Chapter of the American Red Cross, Rio Grande Valley Girls Scouts Council, Brownsville Boys and Girls Club, Brownsville Metropolitan Planning Organization, Brownsville/South Padre Island Board of Realtors, Cameron County Mental Health Task Force, Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, Brownsville/South Padre Island Shrimp Producers Association, and the National Fisheries Institute. He has also served on the boards of the Brownsville Economic Development Council, Rotary Club of Brownsville, Amigos Del Valle, and Endowment for Teaching Excellence, among many others.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Texas Pan American (now UTRGV).

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