The Port of Corpus Christi has announced that it will receive an additional US$59 million in funding for its Ship Channel Improvement Project (CIP), as part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Fiscal Year 2019 Work Plan.
According to a statement, the US government is contributing a total of $230 million to the $360 million initiative, while the Port of Corpus Christi is responsible for the remaining $130 million.
Overall, the Port of Corpus Christi has transferred $78 million of its own funds to the USACE, bringing the total CIP funding level to $173 million.
Sean Strawbridge, Chief Executive Officer for the Port of Corpus Christi, commented: “The inclusion of additional Work Plan funds is yet another significant milestone toward the United States becoming a net exporter of its energy production.
“Widening and deepening the Corpus Christi Ship Channel is a mathematical certainty. Energy markets are taking notice as the majority of incremental U.S. energy production is coming to Corpus Christi and ultimately to the global markets.”
Sean Strawbridge discusses how America's energy is being moved in a recent Port Technology technical paper
Charles W. Zahn, Chairman for the Port of Corpus Christi Commission, added: “This news is extremely exciting, and we owe a great deal of gratitude to our supportive congressional delegation, including Texas Senators Cornyn and Cruz, U.S. Representative Michael Cloud of our Congressional District 27, and of course, the Administration for its endless support.”
Congressman Michael Cloud also suggested that the $71 million in combined Army Corps Work Plan and Budget funding could provide a boost to jobs and “security of America and our allies”.
Cloud said: “I was honoured to make the case for the Port of Corpus Christi and thankful President Trump recognized the importance of the Port’s Channel Improvement Project.”
The USACE has also provided extra funding to the Port of Charleston, who will use the $41 million grant to proceed with a harbour deepening project.
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