Port Houston Receives Important Federal Funding  for Project 11 and Houston Ship Channel Dredging

Port Houston Commission Chairman Ric Campo had good news to report at the commission's March 26 regular monthly meeting: in the FY24 Energy and Water Appropriations bill signed into law by President Biden on March 9, the Houston Ship Channel received $24 million for Project 11 construction funding and $29 million for Operations and Maintenance funding, to keep the channel dredged.

 “This funding follows last year’s historic operation and maintenance funding, which reduced draft restrictions to the greatest degree in decades,” Chairman Campo said. He highlighted an incredible show of partnership among congressmembers, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Port Houston to get this work done, resulting in positive economic impacts for the region.

He thanked Congressman Brian Babin for championing the $29 million funding to protect the channel from draft restrictions. He also expressed gratitude to Congressmembers Sheila Jackson Lee and Wesley Hunt, who partnered to bring $24 million to Houston to keep Project 11 construction moving forward, and to fund dredge site preparation at both Glendale and Filterbed locations.

Port Houston’s partners at the Army Corps were also commended for keeping Project 11 and the dredging of the Houston Ship Channel moving forward.

Chairman Campo emphasized the importance of the efforts underway to expand the Houston Ship Channel – Project 11 – and its objective to provide a safer navigable waterway. He also expressed his appreciation for the continued collaboration of partners and stakeholders, working together for a safer and more efficient channel.

During the meeting, staff announced that Port Houston will receive the Texas Environmental Excellence Award in the category of Pollution Control from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. This award recognizes the achievements of Port Houston’s Sustainability and Carbon Neutrality initiatives.

Finally, Chairman Campo highlighted meetings held recently with neighboring channel communities, with more coming in the future, saying, “we remain committed to open dialogue as we continue this important expansion of the Houston Ship Channel.”

Photo: The Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority at its regular monthly meeting held in March. Photo courtesy of Port Houston.