> View Channel Improvement Newsletter

> Draft Feasibility Report/Draft Environmental Impact Statement 2002

In 1990, the U.S. Congress authorized the Corps of Engineers to begin investigating the possibility of deepening the Corpus Christi Ship Channel from 45 feet to 50 feet in order to accommodate larger vessels, increase shipping efficiency, and enhance navigation safety. By 1999, the Corps of Engineers had completed a reconaissance study and had negotiated a partnership with the Port of Corpus Christi to begin a 3 to 4 year feasibility study to evaluate channel improvements. After nearly two years of study, the Corps has recommended the proposed improvements:

• Widening the Corpus Christi Ship Channel across Corpus Christi and Redfish Bays to 530 feet
• Deepening the Corpus Christi Ship Channel from 45 to 52 feet
• Adding 200 feet wide barge shelves along both sides of the channel across Corpus Christi Bay
• and, extending La Quinta Channel approximately 7400 feet at a depth of 39 feet
  

Overall, channel improvements will cost approximately $190 million to be cost shared between industry, the federal government, and the Port of Corpus Christi Authority. The Corpus Christi Ship Channel improvement project will produce positive socioeconomic impacts to the region. It is projected to have a high benefit-to-cost ratio with an average of $40 million in annual benefits over the next 50 years. These benefits may include increased employment and revenue for the Port and industry throughout the region.

For more information contact Frank Brogan frank@pocca.com or David Krams krams@pocca.com.