Port Arthur, Texas Development News
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City Council
Published: Jul 14, 2026
City Council Considers Rezoning 15.48 Acres for Two Batch Plants
A public hearing was held for a zoning map amendment (Z26-08) to change approximately 15.48 acres from agricultural to heavy industrial to allow for the development of two batch plants. The property is located west of Darling Road and north of South 8th Street. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval (3-0 vote), and the City Council subsequently approved the resolution calling for the public hearing. Public notices were issued, and no written or verbal opposition was received during the public comment periods. The council requires a simple majority vote for approval.
City of Port Arthur to Apply for $10 Million FEMA Safe Room Grant for Enhanced Storm Protection
The City Council received a presentation regarding the city's eligibility and application for the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TEDM) Safe Room Grant Program. This FEMA-TEDM partnership offers a 75-25% cost share, with a target of $10 million. The program aims to provide immediate protection from tornadoes, wind debris, and hurricanes for essential personnel and residents. The grant allows for building new facilities or retrofitting existing ones, with modern wisdom favoring new construction. The application process involves a benefit-cost analysis and site identification. The city's commitment resolution (PR 25022) was approved, authorizing the City Manager to submit the application and commit to the local match.
City Approves Rezoning for Amusement Facility on West Port Arthur Road
The City Council passed Ordinance Number 7419, amending the zoning code to rezone approximately 35.77 acres from light industrial to commercial general (CG). This change allows for the construction and operation of an amusement commercial indoor/outdoor facility. The property is located south of West Port Arthur Road and north of Cary Twin Drive and Thomas Drive. A public hearing was held at the previous meeting, and the ordinance passed with a simple majority. Violations could result in misdemeanor charges and fines up to $2,000.
Entergy Granted Easement in Hewen Park for Infrastructure Upgrades; Council Addresses Service Concerns
The City Council considered and approved Resolution PR 24726, authorizing the City Manager to grant Entergy Texas, Inc. a utility easement and temporary workspace on a portion of Hewen Park along Lakeshore Drive. The easement is for the construction, maintenance, and repair of electric power and communication facilities. Concerns were raised about the impact on park users during construction and long-term, but it was confirmed the easement is on the fringe of the park with minimal impact. Councilmember Getwood also expressed a desire for better Entergy service and accountability regarding power line maintenance, noting hanging lines and vegetation issues, particularly on the west side. The City Manager confirmed past resolutions and ongoing efforts to address 'environmental clutter' and improve infrastructure resiliency, including placing above-ground infrastructure underground.
City Approves Easement Agreement with Colonial Pipeline Amidst Concerns Over Resident Disruptions and Company Accountability
The City Council discussed and approved Resolution PR 25041, authorizing the City Manager to execute an easement encroachment agreement with Colonial Pipeline Company for a sanitary sewer force main project. The project requires crossing under a Colonial Pipeline. Concerns were raised by Councilmember Jacobs and Getwood about the disruptive impact of Colonial Pipeline's operations on residents, particularly in District 4, citing traffic disruption, power outages, and water service interruptions. The discussion revealed that the city lacks a universal MOU with pipeline companies and deals with requests on an as-needed basis. Efforts are underway to update the pipeline ordinance and increase permit fees, which are currently very low compared to other cities, to reinvest in infrastructure. The City Manager noted the strategic importance of Port Arthur's pipelines for national security, limiting wiggle room, but emphasized updating local policies and engaging with companies for greater community investment.
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