The Galveston County Daily News

GALVESTON — The Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees agreed Monday to hire a consultant to do a conceptual planning study for the proposed Pelican Island container terminal.

The Port of Galveston will equally share the study’s $750,000 cost with the Port of Houston, its partner in the terminal project.

Although the overall concept for the terminal has been approved by both ports, it’s now time to sort through the details and find out whether the project really is feasible, Steve Cernak, Port of Galveston director, said.

Consultant AECOM USA Group will evaluate the 1,200-acre site, looking at environmental, geotechnical, utility and layout considerations, Cernak said.

The company also will analyze the market projections, cost estimates and traffic considerations for the project, he said.

The proposed terminal met with mixed reviews in the community when it was debated three years ago.

Supporters said it would bring much needed middle-class jobs. Opponents complained about the truck traffic they said would clog Harborside Drive and Interstate 45 as the cargo was unloaded and taken off the island.

Everyone will have another opportunity to share their opinions about the project during the yearlong planning study, Cernak said.

“Community outreach is a significant component of the study,” he said.

AECOM’s work eventually will lead to a master development plan for the site, unless the consultants determine the project isn’t feasible, Cernak said.

Although that’s possible, officials with both ports do not expect such a finding, he said.

Houston and Galveston port officials signed the deal for the terminal in late 2006.

The facility will help relieve pressure on Houston’s two container facilities. The Port of Houston handles the largest share of container traffic along the Gulf Coast.

The Pelican Island terminal is expected to be developed within the next seven years.