The Legacy of the Willacy County Navigation District: A Story of Vision, Unity, and Service
Port Mansfield is a coastal treasure whose story is as rich and vibrant as its surroundings. It began as a small fishing village on Red Fish Bay, about twenty-seven miles east of Raymondville.
Willacy County—a rural heartland of hardworking farmers, fishermen, and families. In the late 1940s, this community faced a familiar challenge: isolation from broader economic opportunities. Roads were sparse, markets distant, and the promise of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway seemed just out of reach. It was here, amid the post-World War II push for progress, that a vision took root—one that would transform a forgotten fishing spot into a beacon of growth for all residents.
Enter Charles R. Johnson, a land developer and former mayor of Raymondville, TX, whose passion for his county's future ignited the spark. Johnson saw untapped potential in the coastal waters: a port that could export agricultural bounty, welcome commercial ships, and invite recreational visitors, all while connecting Willacy County to the world via the Intracoastal Waterway. He lobbied tirelessly, rallying county officials and residents to dream bigger. But this wasn't one man's crusade—it was a collective call to action. In 1950, the voters of Willacy County stepped up, approving the creation of the Willacy County Navigation District (WCND) in a decisive election. This democratic act, grounded in Texas law under the general provisions of the Texas Water Code (Chapter 62), marked the birth of an entity dedicated not to private gain, but to public prosperity.
With the district established, action followed swiftly. In March 1950, the WCND initiated legal proceedings to acquire about 1,760 acres around what was known as "Red Fish Landing" a small, undeveloped coastal community. This land was reborn as the Port of Port Mansfield—named in honor of State Senator Joseph C. Mansfield, a champion of federal waterway legislation. The port opened its doors that same year, a symbol of communal ambition. Construction of a vital ship channel through Padre Island linking the Port of Port Mansfield to the Gulf of Mexico began in 1957 and wrapped up in 1962, linking the port to the Gulf and unlocking new horizons for trade and leisure. The local community adopted the name of Port Mansfield and has gained a reputation as a recreational fishing destination in Texas.
To solidify this foundation, the Texas Legislature passed a special enabling act in 1953—Chapter 404 of the Acts of the 53rd Legislature, Regular Session. This wasn't mere paperwork; it was a blueprint for unity and purpose, validating the district's formation and defining its powers under the Texas Constitution (Article XVI, Section 59), which emphasizes the conservation and development of natural resources for the public benefit. The act addressed any early irregularities and empowered the district to build, maintain, and improve waterways, harbors, and infrastructure—all to foster navigation, commerce, and recreation. As later amendments, like those referenced in HB 1053 of the 86th Legislature in 2019, would affirm, the WCND's core remains: serving a public use that benefits every parcel of land and every taxpayer in Willacy County.
At its heart, the WCND's mission is a solemn pledge to sustainable economic development for the entire county—not just the shores of Port Mansfield, but the inland communities of Lasara, San Perlita, Raymondville, and beyond. As a political subdivision of the state, governed by a five-member board of navigation and canal commissioners, the district owns and operates the Port of Port Mansfield's vast acreage. It constructs and maintains channels, enters long-term leases (up to 50 years) for commercial and residential use, and attracts industries that promise jobs and income. The strategic pursuits of the WCND that strive to bring maritime commerce like agricultural exports, NAFTA cargo, overflow traffic from Port of Brownsville or Port of Corpus Christi to Willacy County are guided by the core purpose and responsibility of the Board as directed in the district's legislative mandate.
Environmental stewardship is woven into this fabric, preserving Port Mansfield's renowned recreational fishing heritage while ensuring growth doesn't come at nature's expense. The board's decisions—whether issuing bonds, managing leases, or overseeing operations—are guided strictly by this higher purpose, not personal preferences or isolated interests. The enabling act and Texas Water Code make it clear: all activities must advance public benefit, with equitable use of tax dollars to uplift underserved areas. This unity isn't optional; it's enshrined in law, ensuring the board acts as stewards for the county's 20,000-plus residents, maximizing port utilization to boost employment, trade, and quality of life for generations.
Today, as the WCND navigates modern challenges—from bulk material handling to container-on-barge operations—its priorities remain steadfast: economic vitality, job creation, and responsible resource management. This isn't a tale of individual agendas, but of a board bound by legislation to serve Willacy County's collective dream. In every dredged channel and signed lease, the district honors its origins—a voter-driven creation for the people, by the people—reminding us that true progress flows from shared responsibility and unwavering commitment to the greater good.
Interested in how the Port operates today? Learn more in Harbor Business.
