Commission Adopts 2012 Voluntary Early Retirement Program for Eligible Port Authority Employees

HOUSTON, Oct. 31, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A 2012 Voluntary Early Retirement Program was adopted for eligible, full-time, salaried Port Authority employees at least 55 years of age and with 15 years of service, before January 1, 2013, at today's special meeting of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority.

The program is being offered in conjunction with a proposed reorganization of Port Authority staff. Executive Director Len Waterworth has solicited senior staff input on options to implement a new staff structure and realign the Port Authority's staff functions to allow for more efficient execution of its mission and strategic initiatives. The goal is to position the Port Authority to maximize its support of its stakeholders and community and better grow its maritime operations and ship channel support.

The Port Commission also approved a three-year, $2,743,528 contract for trash disposal and recycling services at the Turning Basin, Woodhouse, Barbours Cut and Bayport terminals and fire barracks with Global Waste Services, L.L.C.

The full meeting agenda is available on the Port of Houston Authority website, www.portofhouston.com/the-port-commission/public-meetings/agendas.

About the Port of Houston Authority

For nearly 100 years, the Port of Houston Authority has owned or operated the public cargo-handling facilities of the Port of Houston – the nation's largest port for foreign waterborne tonnage. The port is an economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas and the nation. It supports the creation of more than one million statewide jobs and more than 2.1 million nationwide jobs, and the generation of economic activity totaling more than $178.5 billion in Texas and $499 billion across the nation. For more information, visit the Port Authority website at: www.portofhouston.com

The Port of Houston Authority logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=720