Port Freeport earns 36th consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

For the 36th consecutive year, Port Freeport has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.

This milestone reflects more than three and a half decades of sustained excellence in financial transparency, accountability, and sound governance. The Certificate of Achievement represents the highest standard in governmental accounting and reporting and is awarded only to entities that meet rigorous national benchmarks for accuracy, clarity, and full public disclosure.

“This 36-year record of excellence is a direct reflection of the professionalism, integrity, and diligence of our financial department,” said Rob Lowe, Director of Administration & Chief Financial Officer of Port Freeport. “The annual report is a comprehensive document of the Port’s financial information that is clearly and accurately communicated to the public we serve.”

The GFOA’s independent review process evaluates participating agencies on their ability to clearly communicate financial information while demonstrating a strong commitment to full public disclosure. Earning the Certificate signifies that the Port’s financial reporting consistently meets the highest professional standards in governmental finance.

“This achievement is a testament to the strength of our internal controls and the consistency of our financial stewardship,” said Rob Giesecke, Port Commission Chairman. “On behalf of the Commission, I commend our finance and accounting professionals for their discipline, transparency, and long-term commitment to public accountability. Sustaining this level of performance for 36 consecutive years is exceptional and reinforces public trust in our organization.”

As the Port marks its Centennial year in 2025, this long-standing recognition further underscores its legacy of disciplined financial management, sound governance, and accountability to the community it serves. Continued recognition by GFOA also reinforces the Port’s role as a responsible steward of public resources while supporting regional economic development, maritime commerce, and critical infrastructure investment.

Port Freeport is a leading port in the export of crude oil and natural gas liquids and ranks nationally as 6th in chemicals, 15th in total foreign waterborne tonnage, and 26th in containers. A 2022 Economic Impact Study by Texas A&M Transportation Institute revealed that, nationally, the Freeport Harbor Channel generates 266,300 jobs and has a total economic output of $157.3 billion. Port Freeport serves Alliera, Atlantic Container Lines, AMPORTS, BASF, Chiquita Fresh N.A., Dole Fresh Fruit, The Dow Chemical Company, Enterprise Products Partners, ExxonMobil, Freeport LNG, Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Glovis, Grimaldi Lines, Hoegh Autoliners, Kirby Marine, Liberty Global Logistics, Linde, MEGlobal, NYK RORO, Phillips 66, Riviana Foods, Inc., Sallaum Lines, Tenaris, U.S Department of Energy, Volkswagen Group of America, and Vulcan Materials Company.

Port Freeport is committed to keeping the local community informed of our operation and results. If you have questions or comments about this article, please email or call Amanda Veliz, Public Affairs Manager.