UTRGV to build a Marine Ecosystems Research Facility in Port Isabel

This facility will strengthen our ability to study coastal and marine environments, expand academic opportunities for our students, and support the region’s long-term sustainability.”

Guy Bailey, President, UT-Rio Grande Valley

PORT ISABEL: UT-Rio Grande Valley recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a Marine Ecosystems Research Facility.

It marked the start of construction on a $21.5 million coastal research center that will expand the university’s capacity in marine and environmental sciences. 

The project was approved earlier this year by the UT System Board of Regents and will be constructed at 905 S. Garcia Street in Port Isabel. 

The 14,500-square-foot facility will include seven research labs, student workspaces, faculty offices, laboratory support areas and a conference room. 

Dr. Can Saygin, senior vice president for Research and dean of the Graduate College at UT-Rio Grande Valley. (Photo: RGG/Steve Taylor)

Dr. Can Saygin, senior vice president for Research and dean of the Graduate College at UTRGV, said the single-story structure is designed to withstand windstorms and flood surge conditions and will replace five aging portable structures that have been in use for more than a decade. He predicted the new facility will play a key role in supporting research activity across the university. 

At the conclusion of the groundbreaking ceremony, the Rio Grande Guardian secured an exclusive interview with Dr. Saygin. Here is the interview:

The Guardian also secured an interview with Dr. Roldán A. Valverde, director of UTRGV’s School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences. Here is the interview:

UTRGV President Guy Bailey said the new facility represents a significant investment in research infrastructure and educational opportunity. He said the groundbreaking represents a major step forward for UTRGV’s research enterprise and its commitment to serving the Rio Grande Valley.

UTRGV officials and VIPs stand for a group photo following a groundbreaking ceremony for the university's Marine Ecosystems Research Facility in Port Isabel. (Photo: RGG/Steve Taylor)

“This facility will strengthen our ability to study coastal and marine environments, expand academic opportunities for our students, and support the region’s long-term sustainability,” Bailey said.

Here are the remarks President Bailey made from the podium:

Another of the speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony was Dr. Nolan Perez, a UT System regent who was raised in Port Isabel.

Here are his remarks from the podium: