Burke Re-Appointed to Port Authority Commission; Prominent Civic and Business Leader Will Serve Third Term as Harris County Mayors' and Councils' Association Appointee.

Business Editors

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 16, 2003

By a unanimous vote, the Harris County Mayors' and Councils' Association re-appointed Jimmy A. Burke to the Port of Houston Authority Commission. Initially appointed to the Port Commission in August 1999, Burke also is a member of the board of Pilot Commissioners. Port Authority commissioners serve two-year terms without pay.

"We warmly welcome Commissioner Burke's return," said Jim Edmonds, chairman of the Port Commission. "His leadership and tenure on three Port Authority committees has been exemplary. Jimmy works diligently to serve 26 Harris County cities, and his dedication to his constituents has been instrumental in helping maintain the Port's economic vitality. We look forward to continuing our work with him."

Burke is chair of the commission's community relations committee and a member of the pension and cruise committees.

"I have had a life-long interest in community service, and the focus of my next term will be a continued effort to involve the PHA in a positive manner within the communities it does business in, or in some way impacts," Burke said. "It is gratifying serving on the Port Commission of the sixth largest port in the world and a pleasure working with fellow Commissioners to grow the PHA."

A Deer Park resident since 1954, Burke retired from Shell Oil Co.'s manufacturing complex following 35 years of service. Commissioner Burke also has been active in the Deer Park community in both civic and governmental activities for more than 40 years. His achievements include serving nine terms as mayor (1981-1999) as well as serving on city council from 1969-1981.

Commissioner Burke's civic enthusiasm permeates the communities along the Houston Ship Channel.

"Jimmy has been a real champion of our city," said Galena Park Mayor Bob Barrett. "He was instrumental in securing the funding to purchase fire department equipment as well as leading the way for our Main Street widening project. Jimmy also has maintained his dedication to the DAMP area of Galena Park."

Baytown Mayor Pete Alfaro concurred. "The volunteers who serve our city are a treasure, and Jimmy Burke is always very responsive to the needs of the city of Baytown. We truly appreciate Jimmy's contributions to the Goat Island project and his diligent participation on the parks and recreation board and the Beneficial Uses Group."

Former mayor pro tem for Morgan's Point, Valerie Buckner, praises Commissioner Burke's commitment. "Since he became a Port Authority commissioner, Jimmy Burke has consistently worked toward the betterment of Morgan's Point."

Burke has an extensive background in governmental involvement and has served on numerous committees and boards, including Texas Municipal League Group Benefits Risk Pool Board (1993-1999); Texas Municipal League, board of directors president (1997-1999); Texas Municipal League, board of directors member (1992-1999); National League of Cities, board of directors (1992-1999); and Small Cities Council, steering committee, board of directors, chairman (1991-1992). He is also a life member of the Deer Park Jaycees and served on various youth sports leagues.

Burke received a bachelor's degree in electronics from the University of Houston. He and his wife Peggy have four sons and one daughter.

The Port of Houston Authority

The Port of Houston Authority owns and operates the public facilities located along the Port of Houston, the 25-mile long complex of diversified public and private facilities designed for handling general cargo, containers, grain and other dry bulk materials, project and heavy lift cargo, and other types of cargo. Each year, more than 6,600 vessels call at the port, which ranks first in the U.S. in foreign waterborne tonnage, second in overall total tonnage, and sixth largest in the world. The Port Authority plays a vital role in ensuring navigational safety along the Houston Ship Channel, which has been instrumental in Houston's development as a center of international trade. The Barbours Cut Container Terminal and Central Maintenance Facility are the first of any U.S. port facilities to develop and implement an innovative Environmental Management System that meets the rigorous standards of ISO 14001. Additionally, the port is an approved delivery point for Coffee "C" futures contracts traded on the New York Board of Trade's Coffee, Sugar & Cocoa Exchange. For more information, please visit www.portofhouston.com