Silva announces candidacy

JANIE SILVA

NEWS Staff Report

Former San Benito CISD Board Trustee and retired educator Janie Silva is running for the Pl. 1 Port Isabel-San Benito Navigation District Commissioner’s seat in the navigation district’s upcoming May election.

According to her biography, Silva has lived in San Benito for over 70 years, and was employed as an educator for 45 years, served on the San Benito school board for three years, and “developed a deep commitment to community service and civic engagement.”

Among these community service and civic engagements include Silva joining the San Benito Rotary Club, San Benito Friends of the Public Library, and volunteering at the San Benito Chamber of Commerce, San Benito Food Pantry, Loaves and Fish, and the San Benito Food Pantry. She also serves on the Security First Credit Union Committee.

“My extensive experience in community leadership and volunteer work has instilled in me a strong desire to continue serving the community in a broader capacity. I believe my skills and dedication would make me a valuable asset to the Port Isabel-San Benito Navigation District as a commissioner,” said Silva.

The election is scheduled for May 3, 2025. Early voting is slated from April 22-29. The election will be held at 250 Industrial Drive, Port Isabel, from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Voters can also cast their ballots by mail.

According to the navigation district’s website, the Port Isabel-San Benito Navigation District is one of 12 deep water ports in Texas with a project depth of 36.

Formed in 1929 to lower the transportation costs of the agricultural interests of San Benito and the marine interests of Port Isabel, the Port has broadened its scope to serve as the home base for more than 14 businesses that employ more than 500 persons. The principal mission of the port is to lower transportation costs and to provide land for industrial development.

The port is one of a select few classified Texas deep-water ports and is positioned at the southernmost tip of Texas to serve Mexico, Central and South America. Through the Texas Intracoastal Waterway, the port can serve points as close as Corpus Christi and as far as St. Louis and Chicago.

An estimated 45 acres of the port’s 726 acres of waterfront land and related facilities are available for lease on an annual basis in both large and small parcels at reasonable rates. An Industrial Development Corporation is also available at the port to assist with development through the issuance of tax-free bonds.