(PHA) last Thursday welcomed congressional leaders, the U.S. to further fuel the port's remarkable growth. Jim Edmonds. economy growing," he said. ribbon stretched 150 feet across the channel. guests onboard a paddlewheeler, The Colonel. today," said Tom Kornegay, Executive Director of the Port Authority. (from 400 feet) and deepening the channel to 45 feet (from 40 feet). allow slower barge traffic to navigate the channel. and widening project also helps protect water and air quality. Houston Authority and the U. precedent-setting role in improving water and air quality. Edmonds. government agencies formed in 1990. successful. Members of the BUG include Port of Houston Authority, U.S. General Land Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. U.S.