Port Authority outlines projects and asks council for modest levy increase

Under a suspension of rules, the Saint Paul Port Authority presented its proposed 2026 operating budget and a portfolio of redevelopment projects to the City Council.

Todd Hurley, President and CEO of the Saint Paul Port Authority, described the authority’s mission to redevelop underused land for jobs and tax base, manage harbor terminals and run energy-efficiency financing programs. Hurley highlighted several projects, including barge terminal upgrades ($8M and $10M projects), Dock Hall rehabilitation and a first-responders boat ramp ($17M), a grade-separation study funded by an $800,000 federal grant, the Kmart site redevelopment, and the East Side Heights project (112 acres, targeted to deliver 1,000 jobs and 1,000 housing units).

Hurley said the Port Authority’s operating budget is roughly $7.5 million, and that about 30% of that is supported by a property-tax levy; the authority requested a $250,000 increase in its mandatory levy and a $105,000 discretionary levy to remain opportunity-ready and add a project manager to the development team. Hurley noted many capital projects are funded by state, federal or private partners rather than city dollars.

Council members asked about historical levy changes and expressed appreciation for the Port Authority’s role in expanding tax base. Ms. Yang and Ms. Johnson voiced support for the proposed increase, noting the Port’s role in job creation and tax-base growth. The council said the request will be considered during the broader budget process.