Brownsville Navigation District wins award for financial reporting

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The Brownsville Navigation District (BND) recently won the Excellence in Financial Reporting award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). This is the sixth consecutive year BND, which operates the Port of Brownsville, has earned the recognition.

The award, part of the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program, recognizes state and local governments that surpass the minimum requirements when preparing annual financial reports. The program was established in 1945.

“The Brownsville Navigation District financial team is committed to full financial transparency, as are the BND commissioners,” BND Chairman John Wood said. “We commend the team on their commitment to the district’s taxpayers and congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.”

GFOA presented the award to Stephen B. Fitzgibbons, Port of Brownsville director of finance, for the 2016 comprehensive annual financial report. Fitzgibbons said he was proud to work alongside dedicated professionals.

BND’s financial statements were audited by registered public accounting firm Carr, Riggs & Ingram on behalf of GFOA.

The Port of Brownsville also was recognized earlier this year by the American Journal of Transportation for work to improve its infrastructure.

In May, the port signed an agreement to increase trade opportunities with Mexico, and in October, it signed an agreement to expand local business opportunities.