Construction should begin shortly on renovating the four docks at Avery Point Terminal, Port of Corpus Christi. The port received a $17 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant for the $22 million project. Courtesy photo
Avery Point Terminal, which has four docks that are more than 55 years old, has a $17 million makeover coming. The Port of Corpus Christi recently received federal grant money from the U.S. Department of Transportation-Maritime Administration to begin a four-phase redevelopment of the port’s most productive public oil terminals. Avery Point currently operates at 84 percent capacity.
“I proudly supported the Port of Corpus Christi’s grand application,” U.S. Sen. John Cornyn said. “Access to safe and efficient infrastructure is critical as more people and goods come to Texas each day.”
The Phase 1 money will be used to double barge-berthing capacity at Oil Dock 3 on the easternmost edge of the terminal. Once completed, that dock will be able to accommodate 90 percent of the barge traffic of the other three docks. Work on those docks can then begin without a disruption of service.
“These funds will improve port infrastructure, providing increased access for our local businesses and industries to their trade partners,” said U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud (R-Victoria).
Total cost of the project is estimated at $22 million. The Port of Corpus Christi will pay for the remainder.
The port moved 122.2 million cargo tons in 2019, its highest ever. It is the third-largest port in terms of tonnage in the United States.
