The Port of Corpus Christi is benefiting from the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2020, which reauthorized the Corpus Christi Ship Channel Improvement Project. Approved by Congress on Monday, Dec. 21, the $1.4 trillion omnibus spending package increases the project's cost by $676 million ($404 million from the federal government and a $272 million non-federal cost share).
“We remain extremely grateful to our Texas Congressional Delegation for their support throughout the year of the Channel Improvement Project and the huge economic impact it undoubtedly will have on our region,” said Charles W. Zahn, Port of Corpus Christi Commission chairman. “This is a long-awaited and very positive step forward in realizing our vision as the Energy Port of the Americas.”
The money comes on top of $250 million already appropriated for the project, which has been underway since 2018. It was initially approved in 2017. The 2020 bill includes another $100 million in fiscal year 2021.
“An improved Ship Channel will solidify U.S. energy exports to our allies and trading partners for decades to come,” said Sean Strawbridge, chief executive officer for the Port of Corpus Christi. “The inclusion of the Water Resources Development Act in this latest Omnibus is a nod to all Ports in the Nation and certainly the Port of Corpus Christi in particular, and paves the way to completion of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel Improvement Project.”
The Port of Corpus Christi is now the largest port in the United States in total revenue tonnage. The channel dredging project, which is currently underway, is digging 36-mile channel down to 54 feet from its current 47 feet to accommodate Very Large Crude Carriers, vessels designed to hold up to 2 million gallons of oil and gas product.