Corpus Christi Sun

Washington D.C. – On August 14, Representative Michael Cloud (R-TX) toured the Matagorda Ship Channel to receive an update from Captain David Adrian and the Calhoun Port Authority on the Matagorda Ship Channel Deepening and Widening Project. 

Congress authorized the Matagorda Ship Channel Deepening and Widening Project in 2020. This project will deepen and widen the Matagorda Ship Channel to allow larger vessels to safely travel in and out of the channel. 

Before Congress authorizes such projects, the Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies conduct several reviews of a proposed project, including an environmental impact statement (EIS). Though the EIS for the Matagorda Ship Channel was already completed ahead of the project’s authorization in 2020, Secretary Connor of the Army Corps rescinded the Record of Decision for the project and requested a Supplemental EIS (SEIS) be conducted. This decision will cause unnecessary delays for this critical project.

Representative Cloud has repeatedly pressed the Army Corps about their decision, as well as pushed for the inclusion of language in the FY 2024 Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill that would require the Army Corps to provide an update on the deepening and widening project and next steps on the project within 60 days.

Representative Cloud remains committed to ensuring that the SEIS is expedited, and that the deepening and widening project remains a top priority for the Army Corps.

Representative Cloud released the following statement:“Texas waterways and infrastructure are vital to our state’s and nation’s economic success,” Representative Cloud said. “Widening and deepening the Matagorda Ship Channel is essential to job growth and prosperity in Texas’ 27th district. The community of Port Lavaca should not have to take the heat for the federal government’s mistakes and unnecessary delays. The expansion of the channel has been a top priority of mine since I was first elected, and I will continue to advocate for this project in Washington so that it can be completed in the near future.”

Touring the Matagorda Ship Channel

Original source can be found here.