Focused on the PHA’s (Port of Houston Authority) vision of becoming America’s distribution hub for the next generation, the Port Commission – during its regular monthly meeting yesterday – approved more than $88 million in infrastructure investments.
These investments, all directly tied to the port strategic plan, included $13 million towards channel improvement projects and more than $75 million of investment for new construction and redevelopment of Port Authority terminals.
Bipartisan support of the Houston Ship Channel by the local Congressional delegation was applauded by the Port Commission and staff during the meeting.
One of the channel improvement projects approved yesterday was an innovative partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which allows for the beneficial use of clay to be mined from an area known as the Bayport Flare.
This cost-shared project should make it easier to navigate deep-draft vessels along the Houston Ship Channel, and supports PHA’s effort to ensure its readiness for the expanded commerce it is experiencing both now and as the new Panama Canal expansion comes on line.
Clay mined from the Bayport Flare will be used for the creation of marshes along the channel. Work on the Bayport Flare and these environmental enhancements is expected to start soon after the completion of the deepening and widening of the Bayport Ship Channel by the Port Authority, scheduled for this fall.
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