Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) announced the Port of Houston will receive $142,515,000 in new funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to modernize the Barbour’s Cut Channel, one of the leading container-handling terminals in the Gulf of Mexico.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is investing in projects across the nation that focus on improving our country’s infrastructure and strengthening critical supply chains. 

“I am thrilled that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will award $142,515,000 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to the Port of Houston,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “This investment in the Port of Houston will strengthen our nation’s largest port for waterborne tonnage, providing increased cargo handling efficiency and capacity, allowing for bigger ships and more cargo to pass through the channel, and ensuring the Port of Houston remains a strategic gateway for trade.  I was glad to vote for the IIJA to fund critical projects like this one, and I was glad to advocate for this project’s inclusion in this round of funding.  This investment will benefit our city, our state, and our country, cementing Houston’s leadership in trade, strengthening our country’s supply chain, and building for our future.”

“This federal funding is essential to keep Project 11 on track and bring to fruition a safer, faster, and cleaner ship channel for all users,” said Port Houston Executive Director Roger Guenter. “This investment and continued partnership with the USACE will enable our ship channel to keep leading the way in supply chain efficiencies and meet the demands of new markets and supply chains. Thank you to all those involved in bringing these funds back to Houston.” 

“Thank you to our United States Senators Cruz and Cornyn; our Congressmembers Garcia, Fletcher, Jackson Lee, Green, McCaul, Babin, Weber, Allred, Crenshaw, and Nehls; and to the many Port stakeholders who advocated for this critical investment in the future of our national economy and security,” said Port Houston Commission Chairman Ric Campo. “With this funding, we are one step closer to building a better Port for the next generation of Texans and Americans.”

Construction of the Barbour’s Cut Channel is an important step in deepening and widening the Houston Ship Channel.  The Port of Houston is the only Texas port to receive this funding.  A full list of projects receiving funding from the IIJA and other appropriations can be found here.