UTC 2022 Funding - Cycle 2 Research Projects

Project Number: CY2-TSU-01
Project Title: Inland Ports: Case Study 2 – Economic Characteristics and Stakeholder Involvement
Performing Institution: Texas Southern University
Principal Investigators: Carol Abel Lewis and Gwendolyn Goodwin
Proposed Start and End Date: 10/01/2024 to 09/30/2025
Project Details: The literature and investigation of information and data for US Inland Ports is lacking. Economic Strength and Global Competitiveness cannot be assessed, measured or increased without extensive foundational information and data about the functioning of US Inland Ports. The objective of this research project is to capture and report publicly available data to evaluate the sustainability and economic strength of inland ports. Because these ports transport goods from international origins and are often linked with a deep-water port, inland ports may be in a position to increase global competitiveness.

The proposed case study of Inland Ports in Cycle 2 is structured to add depth to the findings of the Cycle 1 project by specifically focusing on the economic contributions of the Inland Ports to the geographic locations where they are housed and ancillary benefits to the larger community. This Cycle 2 project will also describe and delineate stakeholders and community involvement in the functioning of the Inland Port. The stakeholder/community element will include an examination of the workforce required for operation at the Inland Ports. The work will define relevant economic data points for collection of the Case Study Ports. It is anticipated that economic effects will be assessed by proximity to the port location and for a peripheral site in the larger community. The economic contribution to the locale in an aggregate way will also be examined. Further, the Cycle 2 project will seek to determine the extent and role of stakeholders with interest in port operation. The number and traits of employees will be compiled as part of this study element. The case study ports from Cycle 1 will constitute this deeper investigation into the economic and stakeholder contributions to the success/competitiveness of the inland ports. The Advisory Group established during Cycle 1 will continue to give guidance to the research data and information drawn.
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