Public Information Requests

Requesting Public Information from Port Houston

If you would like to view or obtain copies of our public information, please hand deliver, or send a written request by mail, fax or email to:

Port of Houston Authority
Attn: Public Information Officer
111 East Loop North
Houston, TX 77029
Fax: 713-670-2611
Email: [email protected]

How to Request Public Information

There is no form required by law to request public information; however, you may use the form prepared by Port Houston. Additionally, Texas law governs public information requests and obligations.

Open Records Requests Requirements and Suggestions

  1. The request must be in writing. Only written requests trigger Port Houston’s obligations under the Texas Public Information Act.
  2. The request is limited to records already in existence. Port Houston is not required to answer questions, perform legal research or comply with a continuing request to supply information as such information is prepared in the future.
  3. If you believe that Port Houston has not responded as required by the Public Information Act, you may contact the Texas Attorney General’s Open Records Division Hotline at 512-478-6736 or toll-free 877-673-6839 (877-OPENTEX), or the Harris County District Attorney or County Attorney. Further information is available at the Texas Attorney General’s website.
  4. If you have questions about charges for the information you have requested, you may contact the Cost Rules Administrator for the Office of the Attorney General at 512-475-2497.

What Requestors Can Expect after a Request is Made

The Public Information Act prohibits Port Houston from asking you why you want the information you have requested. However, Port Houston may ask you to clarify your request, if we are uncertain as to what you want, and we may discuss with you how the scope of your request may be narrowed, if you have requested a large amount of information.

If Port Houston wishes to withhold information from you, we must:

  • “Promptly” produce public information in response to your request. “Promptly” means that Port Houston may take a reasonable amount of time to produce the information, which varies depending on the request. The amount of information you have requested is relevant to what makes for a reasonable response time.
  • Seek an attorney general decision within ten business days of our receipt of your request, and state the exceptions to disclosure that we believe are applicable.
  • Send you a copy of our letter to the attorney general requesting a decision, within ten business days. If Port Houston does not notify you of its request for an attorney general decision, the information you requested is generally presumed to be open to the public.
  • Within fifteen business days of receiving your request, send the attorney general its arguments for withholding the information you requested and copies of the information you have requested. You are entitled to receive this notice; however, if the letter to the attorney general contains the substance of the information requested, you may receive a redacted copy of the letter. If Port Houston does not send you a copy of this letter, you may request it from the attorney general by writing to:
    Public Information Coordinator
    Office of the Attorney General
    P.O. Box 12548
    Austin, Texas 78711-2548
    Fax: 512-494-8017
    • If Port Houston does not timely request an attorney general decision, notify you that it is seeking an attorney general decision, and submit to the attorney general the information you requested, the information is generally presumed to be open to the public.
    • If Port Houston requests an attorney general decision, you may submit your written comments to the attorney general stating any facts you want the Open Records Division to consider. You may send your comments to:
      Office of the Attorney General
      Open Records Division
      P.O. Box 12548
      Austin, Texas 78711-2548

However, the Public Information Act prohibits the attorney general from releasing the records.

Third Party Information

  • If you have requested information from Port Houston, and the information requested has an impact on a third party’s interests, the third party may send a letter or brief to the attorney general stating why its information held by Port Houston should be withheld.
  • In such an instance, you should receive a copy of that third party’s letter to the attorney general, however, if the letter to the attorney general contains the substance of the information you requested, you may receive a redacted copy.
  • If you do not receive this letter, you may request it from the attorney general’s Public Information Coordinator, at the above address/fax number.

When an Attorney General Decision is Issued

  • The attorney general usually issues its decisions within 45 business days of receipt of the request for a decision. It will send the requestor and Port Houston a copy of the ruling.
  • If you have questions about a decision, you may call the Open Government Hotline at the number above.
  • If Port Houston is required to release certain information to you, it must either:
    • release the information to you;
    • notify you of the exact day, time and place that copies of the records will be provided or that the records can be inspected; or
    • notify you of its intent to challenge the decision in court.
  • If Port Houston fails to do one of these things, you should submit a written complaint to the Open Records Division. You may also file a complaint with your local district or county attorney or follow the litigation option identified in Subchapter H, chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code.
  • If you have received a ruling that allows the Port Houston to withhold all or some of the information you have requested, and you disagree with the ruling, you can appeal that decision by litigation as provided in Subchapter H, chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code.