Raymondville, Texas – September 14, 2025 – In the heart of the Texas Gulf Coast, the Port of Port Mansfield stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and community-driven progress. Established in 1948 as a shallow-draft facility in Willacy County, this versatile port serves as a vital gateway to the Gulf of Mexico, blending recreational charm with emerging commercial potential. Under the stewardship of the Willacy County Navigation District (WCND), the port is not just a harbor—it's a catalyst for economic vitality in the lower Rio Grande Valley, fostering the opportunity for commerce, job creation, and sustainable development of Willacy County for generations to come.
At its core, the Port of Port Mansfield embodies a vision of balanced growth, where maritime infrastructure supports both local livelihoods and regional trade. Spanning 1,700 acres, the port offers over 1,500 acres of leasable land for residential and commercial purposes, providing waterfront opportunities for regional shipping transport, including docks for potential maritime business that may use small vessels, barges, and fuel handling. Its on-site Charles R. Johnson Airport, with a 3,600-foot runway, adds a layer of intermodal connectivity, enabling air cargo and tourism flights. As Ronald D. Mills, Executive Director and General Manager of the WCND, emphasizes, "Our port is uniquely positioned to serve the needs of Willacy County's residents while pursuing expansions that drive commercial maritime development. We're committed to maintaining safe access to the Gulf, managing utilities, and addressing community concerns through transparent governance."
What sets Port Mansfield apart is its strategic location and infrastructure tailored for efficiency. The Port Mansfield Channel, recently restored to a depth of 17 feet through diligent dredging efforts (maintenance dredging project is currently approved and scheduled to begin in 4Q 2025 to return to 17ft depth), ensures safe navigation for offshore barges—just a mile from the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW). This proximity facilitates seamless connections to a vast inland network stretching from Florida to Mexico, making the port an ideal hub for short-sea shipping of a variety of regional commodities to include agricultural products, construction materials, and energy equipment. Highway links via Interstate 69/U.S. 77 and State Highway 186 provide direct routes to Corpus Christi and the Mexican border, while planned upgrades to heavy-haul routes on SH 186 and FM 1420 will enhance support for oversize loads. In an era of supply chain challenges, Port Mansfield offers cost-effective, just-in-time solutions that reduce reliance on overland transport and alleviate congestion on major thoroughfares.
Current initiatives underscore the WCND's forward-thinking approach to infrastructure and environmental stewardship. The Seawall Repair and Construction Project, launched in September 2024 and already 40% complete, addresses decades of erosion and storm damage with funding from TxDOT's Maritime Infrastructure Program. Originally estimated to cost upwards of $12-$13 million dollars, the leadership of the WCND petitioned the State and was awarded funds to cover the bulk of this much needed project. Not only was the Willacy County Navigation District leadership able to facilitate this key funding but were ultimately able to reduce the overall cost of this project, dropping the County taxpayer’s portion of this project to less than 18% of the cost. This effort not only bolsters structural integrity and flood mitigation but also incorporates measures to minimize environmental impacts, such as reducing water turbidity and protecting bayside wildlife—all in compliance with approvals from the Army Corps of Engineers and other regulatory bodies.
Complementing this is the ongoing Ship Channel and Jetties Dredging Project, aimed at maintaining the channel's authorized dimensions of 14 feet deep and 125 feet wide across its 12.9-mile length. With the help and continued support by the Army Corps of Engineers, access from the Harbor to the Intercoastal waterway, out to the Gulf of Mexico maintains a unique level of ocean access only found North at the Port of Corpus Christi, or down South at the Port of Brownsville. By removing shoaling and strategically placing dredged material for beach nourishment or confined disposal, the project ensures long-term navigability while adhering to environmental windows that safeguard nesting sea turtles and piping plovers. These efforts, supported by federal appropriations like the FY24 Work Plan, are pivotal in sustaining the Port's role in economic development, as they counteract natural sediment buildup exacerbated by offshore currents.
Beyond its operational strengths, Port Mansfield's uniqueness lies in its harmonious integration of commerce and lifestyle. As the sole entry point to the Lower Laguna Madre between the Port of Brownsville and the Port of Corpus Christi—one of the world's rare hypersaline lagoons—the Port of Port Mansfield provides calm, protected waters for world-class flats fishing and eco-tourism, shielded by Padre Island. This natural asset, combined with a semi-tropical climate, creates an unparalleled live-work-play environment, distinguishing it from more industrialized ports. It's the only facility in North America to blend residential leases with commercial operations, nurturing a vibrant community while supporting industries like commercial fishing, light manufacturing, and logistics. Promoting potential Harbor development that respects the dynamics between the Port of Port Mansfield and the residents of the area is a key goal for the Willacy County Navigation District leadership.
For Willacy County and South Texas, the port's vision extends far beyond its docks. By diversifying maritime options, it bolsters the fishing industry—generating millions in revenue and bolstering food supply chains—while enhancing resilience during hurricanes as a safe harbor. It looks to promote cross-border trade with Mexico, aligning with Texas's status as a leading exporter, easing pressure on larger ports like Brownsville and Corpus Christi. Environmentally, preserving the Laguna Madre protects biodiversity, including endangered species and migratory birds, ensuring a legacy of sustainability.
As South Texas looks to the future, the Port of Port Mansfield represents untapped potential for prosperity for the residents of Willacy County and South Texas. Through strategic investments and community collaboration, the WCND is charting a course that not only meets today's needs but propels Willacy County toward a thriving tomorrow. "Our mission is clear: to develop the harbor facility in ways that prioritize resident needs, minimize environmental impact, and fuel regional growth," Mills adds. In doing so, this southern coastal gem continues to shine as an essential pillar of Texas's maritime landscape.
About the Willacy County Navigation District and Port of Port Mansfield
The Willacy County Navigation District oversees the Port of Port Mansfield, a shallow-draft facility established in 1948 to serve the lower Rio Grande Valley. Committed to maintaining waterway access, fostering commercial development, and supporting community interests, the district manages operations including land leases, the Charles R. Johnson Airport, and environmental initiatives. For more information, visitwww.portofportmansfield.com or contact the administrative offices in Raymondville, Texas.
