(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representatives Brian Babin (TX-36) and Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) released the following statements after leading a joint letter with six fellow members of the Houston Congressional Delegation to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) requesting they provide adequate funding in assisting with the Houston Ship Channel – Expansion Channel Improvement Project (HSC-ECIP).

“The Houston Ship Channel is the busiest deep-draft waterway in the nation as well as the epicenter of America’s energy sector,” said Congressman Babin. “As the United States surges into a period of energy independence, it is more vital than ever that we ensure a strong infrastructure is in place to allow maximum efficiency for our import and export process. I am proud to join several of my colleagues from the Houston-area in sending a letter to the Army Corps urging for sufficient funding to assist with the HSC-ECIP. It is critical that this project moves forward quickly in order to increase the Port’s capacity and ensure the U.S. remains one of the world’s top energy leaders.

“The Houston Ship Channel is a critical driver of our economy – locally and nationally,” said Congresswoman Fletcher. “It plays a key role in securing our country’s energy leadership, which continues to grow, and it is essential that the Houston Ship Channel can expand to reflect this increased demand.  I am glad to work with Congressman Babin and the others in the Houston delegation to ensure the Army Corps of Engineers supports this project.”

To read letter to the USACE, please click here.