SABINE PASS — A centerpiece to the Sabine Pass port that was damaged by Hurricane Ike may come back bigger and better than ever if a ballot proposal for the November 8, 2016 General Election is passed by voters.

The notice of the election states the Board of Commissioners of the Sabine Pass Port Authority has found it appropriate and necessary to make additional improvements to the Authority’s port facilities, including construction of new piers, wharves, docks and related facilities and improvements. These may also include storage facilities, terminal facilities and related improvements and aids to navigation consistent with or necessary to the operation or development of ports or waterways.

The Board estimated the cost of improvements and expenses will be $7.5 million, which was approved by the Board.

Sherri Droddy, manager for the SPPA, said the project is to finish off the pier that was lost to Hurricane and Ike. This will complete four or five more sections and attach to the section already started. It will be L-shaped when completed.

The previous pier was made of wood. Work on the new concrete pier has started this summer.

More shrimp boats will be able to dock when completed.

In a previous News article, the FEMA-funded project to restore the wharf started in the summer of 2015.

Droddy added Sabine Pass is the only place on the Sabine-Neches Waterway now for smaller fishing boats that go out on the Gulf of Mexico. The port authority formerly had a large operation before Hurricanes Rita and Ike and they would like to expand their facility.

The Board has found the issuance of additional bonds of the Authority is necessary to provide funds for improvements and expenses and called for a bond election.

David Ball: 409-721-2427