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Houston’s infrastructure supports commerce and business activity across Texas. Goods move through the Houston Ship Channel, freight travels the region’s highways and industries depend on reliable power, water, telecommunications and flood protection.
As the region grows, investment in that network is a Texas economic priority.
Keeping Texas Commerce Moving
Port Houston supports 1.89 million jobs across Texas and 3.53 million nationwide. The Houston Ship Channel generates nearly $15.6 billion in state and local tax revenue, while Port Houston accounts for 44% of Texas port market share by tonnage.
That impact depends on connections beyond the waterfront. I-610 and State Highways 225 and 146 link port terminals, refineries and industrial facilities to the rest of Texas. Congestion and longer travel times raise transportation costs, create delays and can make competing ports more attractive.
Investment in freight corridors, terminal access, maritime infrastructure and ship channel improvements helps protect Texas’ position in global commerce.
Building for Reliability and Resilience
Capacity is only part of the equation. Houston’s economy also relies on interconnected power, water, transportation, telecommunications and flood mitigation systems. Disruption in one can quickly affect business operations, supply chains and essential services.
Flood mitigation is therefore an economic competitiveness issue. Flooding that disrupts highways, ports, utilities or industrial facilities can affect the movement of goods, energy and services across Texas. Because water crosses jurisdictional and watershed boundaries, effective mitigation requires coordination among state, regional and local partners.
Investing before disruptions occur can reduce damage, shorten recovery times and support business continuity.
Preparing Infrastructure for Growth
Houston must prepare for rising demand while protecting the systems that support major Texas industries. Ports and the Ship Channel move global commerce. Roadways connect that commerce across Texas. Utilities keep industries operating, while flood mitigation helps protect the entire system.
The need is growing. Port Houston’s container terminals are growing at twice the rate of any other major U.S. port, increasing pressure on the surrounding transportation network to keep pace.
A Statewide Economic Priority
During the upcoming 90th Texas Legislature, the Greater Houston Partnership will advocate for strategic investment in roadways, freight connections, maritime infrastructure and ship channel improvements, along with sustained flood mitigation investment and stronger coordination across critical systems.
The goal is straightforward: ensure the greater Houston region can support growth, withstand disruption and continue supporting the Texas economy.
Learn more about the Partnership’s 2027 legislative priorities.