The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District, the Brownsville Navigation District, and NextDecade marked the completion of the Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Port of Brownsville on June 25.
The project deepened the Brownsville Ship Channel by 10', increasing the entrance and jetty channels from 44' to 54' and the main channel from 42' to 52'. The work places the Port of Brownsville among Texas' deepest deep-draft ports and the Brownsville Ship Channel among the deepest navigation channels in the Gulf region.
In addition to deepening the channel, the project included dredging berthing areas, improving dredged material placement areas, and installing updated navigation aids. The Port of Brownsville is expected to invest an additional $50 million in related landside improvements.
The project was designated in June 2019 as one of four nationwide USACE Public-Private Partnership pilot projects and the only navigation project selected. Segment A dredging and associated placement area improvements were privately funded, while Segment B dredging and remaining placement areas were funded by USACE and the Port of Brownsville. Segment A dredging began Aug. 12, 2024. USACE awarded the Segment B dredging contract Aug. 6, 2024, with dredging beginning Nov. 30, 2024. Total estimated project cost under traditional delivery methodology is approximately $295.2 million.
The deeper channel is expected to reduce operational limitations associated with the former depth and allow vessels to carry heavier cargo loads.
"The deeper channel changes what the Port of Brownsville can do operationally," said Port Director and CEO William Dietrich. "It increases our ability to accommodate larger, more fully loaded vessels, improve cargo efficiency, and compete for maritime business that previously faced depth limitations."
NextDecade, the private partner in the project, cited the channel's significance to liquefied natural gas infrastructure.
"The improved channel supports the development and long-term operation of Rio Grande LNG and major energy infrastructure, strengthens U.S. liquefied natural gas export capability and the Rio Grande Valley's role in the global energy market," said Tarik Skeik, NextDecade chief operating officer.
Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Sergio Tito Lopez said, "This improvement gives the port the capacity to build on that legacy, pursue new industries and serve as an even stronger economic engine for South Texas."
The project is authorized under Section 1401(1) of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act of 2016.
