Port of Houston Commissioners Approves Dredging Agreements

The Port Commission approved U.S. Army Corps of Engineers MOA’s  for Maintenance Dredging at Barbours Cut and Bayport.

Two Memoranda of Agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for maintenance dredging were approved by the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority at its recent meeting, including up to $550,000 for maintenance dredging of Barbours Cut Terminal berths and up to $400,000 for maintenance dredging for Bayport Terminal berths.

Executive Director Len Waterworth said that the Port Authority garnered a substantial savings for each contract by combining its requirements with channel maintenance and using the Army Corps of Engineers contracts for these projects.

In her introductory remarks at the meeting, Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria commented on the importance of the Port Authority's recent trip to Washington. Along with important stakeholders, such as manufacturers who utilize the Houston Ship Channel, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Texas Ports Association, the Port Authority met with members of Congress and the Administration to highlight the positive national economic impact of ports and waterways and advocate for federal dredging dollars.

Also at the meeting, Col. Christopher W. Sallese, Galveston District Commander, gave an update on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects and funding. He said the nearly 100-year relationship with the port was based on collaboration and a partnership that facilitates navigation on what he called "the Houston system" because "it's not just one port, it's multiple pieces of a port, Galveston and Texas City included, that also affects everything that happens along the coast."

He also reported that the Bayport Terminal permit decision was expected in June of this year and the Barbours Cut permit decision would come later.