Also, on April 30, at 10:00 a.m., the Port Police Department will start securing NSI, followed by the securing of the main gate and closing of the base to the public at 4 p.m. A full time roving patrol team throughout the base and a maritime patrol along the wharf will be in effect.   Access to the property for official business will be welcomed by calling Port offices at the base, at 361.776.5297.

The Port has selected the LINC Company as its Base Operating Systems contractor.  LINC commences work to maintain the base on Monday, May 3.  There are 16 people involved in that contract. During the month of May, the Port expects to lay berth a LMSR Military Sealift Command (MSC) vessel along the alpha pier at NSI.   Initially 10 people will be working aboard that vessel.  The MSC expects to place a full crew of 30 aboard this vessel by July 1.  Therefore, the total number of people working aboard NSI by 1 July, including base caretaking contract, security force, and the lay berth crew will be at least 55 jobs in place at the base.

The port continues to work with Texas A&M as its Master Developer which has already prepared a strategic planning document on its recommendations for the highest and best use of the base.  This document will be renewed at least twice a year.  In addition A&M has put into place a four phase prospecting procedure which results in prospective companies that are consistent with the highest and best use plan, submitting offers to the Port’s NSI Committee and then the full commission to consider for approval.  The Port did not expect the NSI property to be filled immediately upon reversion because the entire project involves 1000 acres which is too large of a commitment for most companies under current economic conditions.  However, interest in the base has been increasing and the Port expects to be considering phase 4 proposals on a routine basis towards the end of the year.

NSI has been designated for closure under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Act of 2005 resulting in the departure of the Navy by April 30, 2010. Ownership of the base will revert to the Port of Corpus Christi Authority (POCCA) on that date. Anticipating the reversion, the Port has entered into an agreement with the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) to serve as the Master Developer for the redevelopment of NSI.  The facility currently encompasses 576 acres with more than 70 state-of-the-art buildings, including: warehouse facilities, office and administrative offices, barracks, fitness and recreation facilities, a capital-class pier and wharf area, and much more. POCCA has also included 433 acres of green field property bordering the base to be incorporated in the development project to help attract new investment.

The primary economic engine of the Coastal Bend, Port Corpus Christi is one of the 10 largest ports in the United States in total tonnage. The Port’s mission statement is to serve as a regional economic development catalyst while protecting and enhancing its existing industrial base and simultaneously working to diversify its international maritime cargo business.  Strategically located on the western Gulf of Mexico, with a straight, 45’ft deep channel, the Port provides quick access to the Gulf and the entire United States inland waterway system. The Port delivers outstanding access to overland transportation with on-site and direct connections to three Class-1 railroads and uncongested interstate and state highways. The Port is protected by a state-of-the-art security department and an award-winning Environmental Management System. With outstanding management and operations staff, Port Corpus Christi is clearly, “More Than You Can Sea.”