It could be just like starting over for one Port Arthur business.

The Port Arthur Board of Directors of the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation approved a modification of the Economic Milestones with J.Z. Russell. Executive Director Floyd Batiste said the company has been a longtime client in the Port Arthur Business Park. The first incentive was given in 2014. The business, however, has had some difficulties in meeting the demands of the contract and asked the PAEDC to maintain their payroll for the next two years and give them credit for the payroll until 2020 rather than 2018.

They requested to maintain the $315,000 payroll for Port Arthur residents.

“James (J.Z. Russell) has worked hard putting Port Arthur people to work,” Batiste said. “They’re a pipe inspector and it’s very costly to train them. They have to send them to Houston.”

Krystle Villarreal-Muller, employment and training specialist, added the company should meet their goals during this year. Earlier, they anticipated many more contracts. In addition to working with the PAEDC, Russell also works with the Texas Workforce Commission for jobs.

“When they are successful, so are we,” Batiste said. “A lot of companies in their field have national contracts. James thought because they’re local they would get more.

“People know him now. He’s been doing a lot of work in Louisiana, but not here. But we have a lot of confidence he will meet expectations.”

The business has from 12 to 15 Port Arthur employees. Batiste said when they do have a job opening the PAEDC is the first people they call to fill the vacancy. Most positions are entry level. The applicants are required to have a TWIC card and pass the drug screen.

Board president Ingrid West Holmes said it would be good to see all of the employees they have in addition to Port Arthur residents. Batiste said the PAEDC usually doesn’t ask for outside payroll records.

Director Joseph Guillory said he would like to see a list of employee turnover.

In other PAEDC business, a letter of intent from Motion Industries was approved to support renovation and expansion of their branch facilities in Port Arthur, according to a letter to the PAEDC.

Drago Supply Company was acquired by Motion Industries in 2008 and, as of Sept. 30, 2010, operates as a division of Motion Industries.

Motion Industries intends to consolidate its Groves and Port Arthur branch locations into a single location in Jefferson County.

Their application is for $750,000 in cash assistance to consolidate its current branch at 740 Houston Ave. in Port Arthur.

Also approved was a month-to-month rental agreement with Support Operation Services, Inc. for office space on the first floor of 501 Procter St.

Randy Martin with the company said he retired from the military. The company started in Nashville and manages facilities, sells life insurance and is in the transportation business. He said he recently spoke with the Port of Port Arthur about some business opportunities.

The tenant agrees to pay $250 per month for the premises.