HomeMy WebLinkAbout(D1) BrownfieldLegislative Background
1997 Session (75th Legislature)
House Bill 2914 established a clear legal description for tracts of land owned by the City of Port Arthur. The legislation clarified that the City of Port Arthur — not the General Land
Office — is responsible for the land description of North Pleasure Island.
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Land Conditions – May 25, 2025
Aerial Views and Site Conditions
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May 25, 2025 – Aerial view showing undisturbed wetland vegetation and natural drainage patterns. No visible heavy equipment or soil displacement.
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May 25, 2025 – Broad marshland area with intact vegetation and minimal surface disturbance.
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May 25, 2025 – Waterway appears stable with no visible excavation or bank alteration.
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May 25, 2025 – Distant industrial infrastructure visible; foreground remains largely natural and undisturbed.
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May 25, 2025 – Natural land contours and vegetation coverage remain intact
.
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May 25, 2025 – Roadway and adjacent land appear stable with no active construction.
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Land Conditions – June 2025
Visible Changes Observed Since May 25, 2025
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June 2025 – Noticeable land disturbance and soil displacement. Heavy equipment is actively present.
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June 2025 – Expanded disturbed areas with standing water and altered drainage patterns compared to May.
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Land Conditions – July 2025 to Present
Aggressive site changes observed following May 2025
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Expanded land disturbance with visible heavy equipment activity and altered soil composition
.
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Vegetation displacement and soil exposure indicate continued site modification.
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Expanded access routes and ground compaction consistent with sustained equipment movement.
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Ongoing grading and earthwork operations with visible alteration of natural land contours
.
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December 24, 2025 – Standing water and saturated soil conditions persist, indicating ongoing drainage challenges
.
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December 24, 2025 – Heavy equipment staging areas and disturbed ground remain visible, suggesting continued site activity.
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December 24, 2025 – Pipeline materials and exposed trenches indicate incomplete restoration and ongoing infrastructure work.
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December 24, 2025 – Access routes and altered terrain continue to reflect sustained land disturbance.
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December 24, 2025 – Evidence of erosion and soil displacement remains across multiple sections of the site.
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Lease and Related Costs
The City entered into a lease agreement for the property for $25,000. In addition to the lease payment, the lessee incurred $11,000 in general liability–related expenses. The lessee
also made a substantial financial investment by paying $2,049,000 in cash for title insurance, indicating a significant commitment to securing property interests.
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