The Port of Houston Authority welcomed Texas Dept. of Transportation Commissioner Laura Ryan Nov. 8 for a briefing at the port’s Bayport Container Terminal. Ryan is a member of the Texas Transportation Commission, which oversees the statewide activities of the transportation department.

The primary focus on the meeting was to discuss the coordination of rail and trucking, as the Port Authority works closely with both industries.

“There is a balance that we need to need consider, and we need to get both networks right,” said Chief Infrastructure Officer Richard Byrnes, who highlighted the Port Authority’s role as the local sponsor of the Houston Ship Channel. “The port is the nexus of many supply chains.”

PHA Executive Director Roger Guenther provided Ryan with an overview of the port, as well as detailing some of its history, economic impact data and infrastructure investment information.

“We want to ensure that freight keeps moving as we help use our assets efficiently to help avoid future congestion,” Guenther said.

Leah Oberlin, director of environmental affairs, provided an overview of the port’s stewardship programs during the commissioner’s visit.