About the Security District

Brief History of Security District

On June 15, 2007, Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed into law House Bill 3011 authored by Representative Wayne Smith and sponsored by Senator Mike Jackson that allows the creation of a management district to govern security initiatives within the Houston Ship Channel Region.  Demonstrating the significance of this legislation, many area leaders joined Gov. Perry and the bill sponsors for a ceremonial signing of the legislation at the Port of Houston Authority on August 14, 2007. Click here to view the legislation

On Tuesday, June 09, 2009, Harris County Commissioners Court took the final step authorizing creation of the Houston Ship Channel Security District. A majority of facilities which will be included in the security district petitioned Commissioners Court to create the district as required by HB 3011. Industry’s actions, along with the unanimous court vote, further improve security for employees, residents and facilities surrounding the Houston Ship Channel.

Since September 11, 2001, port security initiatives evolved to regional, multi-layered strategic models that protect extensive waterside and landside supply-chain interests.  Local government and business leaders, in concert with information technology and security professionals, formed a Houston Ship Channel Security Council (HSCSC) that understood a dedicated Houston Ship Channel Security District could deliver improved security for the region’s waterside and landside facilities, as well as for associated supply chain and support industry surrounding the Houston Ship Channel community. 

The HSCSC secured more than $30 million in federal grants, supported the Houston Ship Channel Security District legislation, and planned implementation of the district.  It provides oversight for security infrastructure design and development of enhanced security services to advance ship channel security protection.  The HSCSC works closely with potential members of the district to ensure members have a current voice in security infrastructure and improvements, and future control of district initiatives.

Next Steps for Security District

A first-of-its-kind comprehensive port security partnership, the Houston Ship Channel Security District will be managed by an 11-member board of directors.  Eight directors will be elected from industry membership of the district.  The Port of Houston Authority, Harris County Commissioners Court and the Harris County Mayors and Councils Association each will appoint a director.

The board will manage the district.