Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-03-10
The Harbor Situation

THAT the present session of congress will take some
action in respect to the Point Isabel harbor project now
apuears practically certain. Colonel Scsiey, district
engineer. has been instructed BY General Jadwin, chief
Of the army engineers, to give the review and report
on the Point Isabel project precedence over all similar
proiects within his district, and that report will prob
ably Be in the hands Of the army engineers and ready
for submission to the rivers and harbors committee By
the latter part Of the month.
That local interests will be called upon to co.
onerate in the construction Of the harbor is also prac-
tically assured, but the extent and nature OF that
cooperation will not be known until the report is sub
mitted. However, IN view Of the fact that the Valley
has already expended approximately 100000 on the
project, under the direction of the army engineers.
considerable confidence is expressed by those in close
touch with the situation that the federal government
will be inclined to act very generously with the Valley
as regards local cooperation.
The action taken by the port committee Thursday
night in adding to the membership eleven leading citi-
aens Of the Valley who have worked industriously for
the port project has provided the foundation upon
which organization Of the entire Valley can be accom-
plished in the minimum Of time If such organization be-
comes necessary. In other words, the committee as now
constituted is in position to secure Valley-wide action
without loss Of time in the event the federal goven-
ment imposes conditions which will require united ac-
lion bv the Valley. One Of the greatest handicaps
heretofore experienced in connection with the various
campaigns to secure deep water has been the lack Of
NAuGy-WAuG ~"N ~N -~F
longer be permitted to stand between the Valley and
it, roal-deep water at Pooint Isabel
According to very conservative estimates the Valley
growers have lost at least 100000 in. freight rates
this season as the result Of the failure to open a port
~ Point Isabel. This estimate Is based upon present
tonnare. and that the tonnage would have been mate
v;alIv increased had water transportation been avail
.bIe Is very obvious. The retardation Of develop
roent. the limiting Of the Valleys marketing area are
al factors upon which the loss cannot be estimated,
hut which must be recognized as factors affecting
valley development and prosperity
Development Of the Valley has reached the stage
~hsre this section can no longer afford to ignore the
sronomic necessity for a port The IS cabbage, cheap
CARROTS and beets, the high price Of vegetable contain
II nv excessive rates on citrus fruits all combine to
torr 4 formidable array Of arguments against further
Alav in securing deep water at Point Isabel and low
s-..e~ rates on outgoing and incoming freight. Re-
~~~sIsss Of what conditions the federal government may
$500 the valley should be prepared to meet them
1 eliminate q eondiHor which is preventing develop
msns Of the Valleys resources and restricting the
Valleys markets.
The valley is fortunate in having such leaders IS
= \. crearsr and ether members Of the eonmittee WIG