The Port of Beaumont Board of Commissioners today voted unanimously to approve a $5,000 contribution to a revenue guarantee for American Airlines service between Jack Brooks Regional Airport and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

Jefferson County cities, and the county commissioners court, have made contributions to the revenue guarantee, with a goal of gathering $1.5-to $2 million to secure the service.  Jefferson County Commissioners Court provided $250,000, as has Beaumont.

Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce President Jim Rich on Friday told Guidry News Service that so far, almost $1.2 million has been contributed.  Report

If successful, the airline will begin scheduling flights and selling tickets with service to begin mid-February.

The board voted to approve a change order to the construction contract with APAC Texas, Inc. for the Orange County Roadway Project, which is administered by the Texas Department of Transportation.

The change order increases the project cost by $376,292, for a total contract price of $4,076,787.

The board voted to renew its current employee health insurance benefit plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.

The board received a presentation regarding possible revisions to the port’s ward boundaries.  No action was taken on the item, which was for information only. 

The board consists of four ward and two at-large positions.  Currently the Ward 1 seat is vacant.

Port Director and CEO Chris Fisher said the port is reviewing the recent ward boundary adjustments made at the City of Beaumont, which balanced the populations of its city council ward areas.  The city’s maps may be used as a basis for the port’s adjustments. 

“It’s a savings for us, because the city went through a lot of work, in looking at that,” Fisher said.  “Our boundaries are similar to that of the city’s.”

 Fisher said there may be some revisions to ensure that no commissioners are “displaced”.  Listen

All items were approved.  All votes were unanimous with all members present.  Agenda