May 3, 2010

Congressman Gene Green introduces bill seeking
$10 million for Buffalo Bayou, Houston Ship Channel

	Congressman Green (third from r.) flanked by (l. to r.) Mike Garver, Buffalo Bayou Partnership; PHA Commissioner Jim Fonteno; PHA Commissioner Janiece Longoria; Anne Olson, Buffalo Bayou Partnership; PHA Chairman Jim Edmonds; Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia; PHA Commissioner Steve Phelps and Chad Burke, Economic Alliance Houston Port Region.

With the Port of Houston Authority's boardroom as a backdrop, U.S. Rep. Gene Green unveiled details of legislation today recognizing the historic and economic significance of Buffalo Bayou and ensuring up to $10 million in federal funding geared toward tourism and education about this valuable ribbon of commerce over the next decade.

House Bill 5144 and Senate Bill 3261 — introduced by Rep. Green and U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison in their respective chambers of Congress — represents the culmination of years of efforts at the local and national levels to bring national recognition to venerable Buffalo Bayou and upon its passing will designate the 25-mile stretch of the Houston Ship Channel as the first National Heritage Area in Texas. Buffalo Bayou is a primary tributary of the ship channel.

Congressman Green discusses the Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Study.

Rep. Green, Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Sylvia Garcia, Port of Houston Authority Chairman James T. Edmonds and representatives of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership and the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region commented on the important roles the bayou and the ship channel have played in Houston’s growth and development.

“There isn’t a more fitting place in Texas to receive the honor of being the first National Heritage Area in the state,” Rep. Green says. “Its historical significance is substantial. The Battle of San Jacinto — which secured Texas’ independence — was fought along its shores. Its cornerstone settlement has grown to become the nation’s fourth largest city.”

	Congressman Green discusses the Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Study flanked by (l. to r.) PHA Commissioner Elyse Lanier, Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s Mike Garver, Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia and PHA Chairman Jim Edmonds.

Edmonds’ comments reflect the economic contributions made by the Houston Ship Channel.

“This dynamic waterway has contributed to the dynamic growth of its city, its state and the nation,” says Edmonds. “It has enabled the Port of Houston to become the nation’s largest port in foreign cargo and truly serves as this country’s economic gateway to the world.”

“As the County Commissioner representing East Harris County, I am well aware of the contributions made by Buffalo Bayou over the years,” Garcia says. “We are all grateful to Congressman Green and Senator Hutchison for their diligence in securing this important piece of legislation.”

Congressman Green points out Buffalo Bayou on an aerial wall photo at the Port of Houston Authority.

Once passed, the historical designation will allow up to $1 million annually for 10 years to the area and provide the tourism benefits of federal recognition without restriction on land or commerce.

Rep. Green and Sen. Hutchison originally introduced the Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Study Act, passed in 2002, which directed the Department of the Interior to undertake a study evaluating the area against eight criteria. The National Park Service (NPS) has just released the 135-page report assessing the area. The study found that the proposed Buffalo Bayou National Heritage Area in Texas is eligible for National Heritage Area designation and the heritage area status would enhance, as well, as promote the national significance of this historic waterway. The NPS report describes the Bayou as a vital artery for the area supporting oil refining, petrochemical production, and commercial trade.

The NPS report is available for public comment until 5/21/10 and may be viewed here.