Trans-Texas Corridor Will Play Role in Mexico's Energy Future

Texas Companies Preparing to Help Mexico Meet Raising Energy Needs

Gov. Rick Perry met with business leaders attending the 5th Annual Texas Energy Trade Mission on how Texas can assist Mexico's energy industry.

"Texas companies want to partner with the Mexican people to meet their vast future energy needs, and create thousands of jobs in the process," Perry said. "The Texas Energy Trade Mission is vital to this effort and presents a tremendous opportunity to meet the energy needs that are obvious to people on both sides of our border." Petroleós Mexicanos (Pemex), Mexico's national oil and gas company, has estimated that it will need to spend more than $45 billion on exploration and production over the next five years and another $16 billion on refinery improvements over the next 10 years to meet international demand as well as domestic growth needs. Pemex's Strategic Gas Plan includes a greater partnership with the private sector through Multiple Service Contracts, which will allow for greater private sector assistance in natural gas production.

"Stronger energy ties, greater privatization of the Mexican energy sector and an increase in the number of cross-border energy projects will benefit consumers and employers in both countries," said Perry. "The Trans-Texas Corridor we are building will be a 4,000 mile network of roads and rail lines, oil and gas pipelines and electric transmission lines that will better connect Texas and Mexico to the opportunities of the new economy."

The latest trade data released by the Federal Reserve showed first quarter export totals for Texas companies up 28 percent, with exports to Mexico having increased 22 percent in that time period and exports to the rest of Latin America up 13 percent.

"Since the implementation of NAFTA, cross-border trade between Mexico and the United States has flourished, growing from a $100 billion industry to a $248 billion industry," Perry said. "The success of NAFTA reminds us that the best government jobs program is one where private sector does the work. By reducing trade barriers, we have expanded opportunities."

Halliburton Awarded $120 Million Drilling Services Contract

Halliburton AS, a subsidiary of Houston-based Halliburton has been awarded a $120 million, three-year contract by Hydro to provide drilling services and complementary products for the operator's Oseberg South and on the Oseberg J-structure in the North Sea. Halliburton will commence services for the Oseberg J-structure this month and for Oseberg South in October.

Duke Realty Corp. Acquires Dallas Land for Future Development

Duke Realty Corp. recently announced acquisition of two adjacent land parcels totaling approximately 57 acres in Frisco. The land can support up to 900,000 sq. ft. of suburban office development and nearly nine acres that Duke will market for retail development. Duke's new land position includes more than 1,400 feet of the Dallas Tollway frontage and is part of the new Bridges of Frisco mixed-use development.

"We are excited to enter the fast growing Frisco submarket with such a key land position," stated Denny Oklak, Duke's president and CEO. "This acquisition provides Duke the opportunity to pursue our core strength of creating value through new development in a strong growth community and allows us to leverage our full-service Dallas team operating a portfolio of more than 8,000,000 sq. ft. of industrial assets."

Harris County Remains Nation's Industrial Construction Leader

Harris County, Texas, currently ranks as the number one U.S. county for industrial project activity, based on a survey conducted by Industrial Information Resources Inc. during the past year. The survey identified about 7,000 active projects at industrial process and heavy manufacturing plants in the U.S.

Harmony Signs CLAS Partnership

The Texas Divisions of Harmony LLC and Harmony Industrial Maintenance LLC announced their second year as members of the ABC Greater Houston Chapter OSHA/ABC Construction Leaders Agreement for Safety partnership. Members of the CLAS Partnership's Texas Division say they have recognized significant benefits through the open, proactive communication established through the partnership with OSHA. In April, Harmony representatives met with John Henshaw, Assistant Secretary of Labor, to discuss future partnering opportunities with OSHA.

Meanwhile, Harmony Industrial Maintenance's Pasadena facility was recently awarded a three-year service agreement for Kaneka Texas Corp.

Kaneka produces additives for the plastic industry and high-tech electronic film industry. These additives are produced in powder and bead form which results in Harmony providing 24-hour operation for shipping and warehouse support. Harmony will be responsible for turnarounds, which will involve future opportunities for other Turner companies.

Concrete Exhibit on Display in Washington, D.C.

Through January 23, the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. will exhibit Liquid Stone: New Architecture in Concrete, highlighting nearly 30 recent or current projects that use concrete in exciting ways and display the material's strength, versatility and potential. The exhibition also explores the history and future of concrete, from its earliest uses more than 2,000 years ago to its potential for revolutionizing design and construction in the 21st century.