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President Obama gives Green Light to Brownsville Ship Channel Deepening Project

[ January 4, 2017   //   ]

President Barack Obama has signed into law the Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA) of 2016, authorizing the Brownsville Ship Channel deepening project, making it eligible for
federal funding.

The Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project was one of 28 water infrastructure projects nationwide included in the WRDA and submitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to Congress for approval. The project calls for the Port of Brownsville channel to be deepened to 52
feet from its current design depth of 42 feet. When complete, the Port of Brownsville will become one of the deepest ports in the Gulf of Mexico.

Completion of the channel deepening is important in allowing existing companies at the port, like Keppel AmFELS, to further expand its services. With a depth of 52 feet, Keppel AmFELS will be able to
increase its support in the construction and servicing of offshore and inland oil and gas rigs.

In addition, the port will be able to accommodate deeper draft cargo vessels carrying heavier loads, which translates to a greater economic impact per vessel for the region. It also aligns with the recent
expansion of the Panama Canal, allowing newer and bigger ships crossing that stretch to call on the port for business.

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