Brownsville Port Receives $539 Million Investment to Expand Navigation Channel

With the "Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project," Brownsville Port, Texas, will receive an investment of $539.5 million, as part of a public-private partnership initiative.

This project consists of expanding the "Brownsville Ship Channel" navigation channel from 42 feet to 52 feet over a 17-mile stretch, allowing the entry of larger vessels and reducing maritime traffic, which will benefit trade.

It will also improve safety, efficiency, and positively impact shipping costs, noted Esteban Guerra, president of the Brownsville Navigation District.
Additionally, the project will create up to 6,000 temporary jobs and 800 permanent positions.

Phase One: $400 Million

On December 6th, executives from Brownsville Port, NextDecade, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) launched the first phase of the project.
In this initial phase, the investment reached $400 million, fully funded by NextDecade.
In his address, Matt Schatzman, President and CEO of NextDecade, emphasized the region's potential: “NextDecade is committed to investing in the future of the Rio Grande Valley, creating thousands of jobs and helping to educate current and future professionals,” he said.

Currently, the company is also working on another project within the Brownsville Port area: the construction of the "Rio Grande LNG" liquefied natural gas plant, which is considered the largest investment in the United States, with a budget of more than $18.4 billion for its first phase.

Schatzman added, “Since our planning in 2019, we recognized the benefits of deepening the navigation channel and how it would facilitate Rio Grande LNG operations, as well as job creation in the Brownsville community. With this investment, we are reinforcing our commitment to economic development throughout the region.”

Phase Two: $139.5 Million

In the second phase of the "Brazos Island Harbor Channel Improvement Project," the investment will total $139.5 million, with $71.5 million provided by Brownsville Port and the remaining $68 million funded through government allocations.

"With this inauguration ceremony, we are moving forward with our goals to shape the future of Brownsville Port. We are strengthening our role and interest in the business growth of our entire region, demonstrating our responsibility to the community. We want to transform the port and make it more dynamic for industries," said William Dietrich, director and CEO of Brownsville Port.

During the launch ceremony, various authorities and representatives from the involved companies and organizations gathered, emphasizing that this project highlights Brownsville Port's position as a strategic hub for international trade. Additionally, it will contribute to generating new competitive advantages, attracting more investments, and enhancing the importance of the Rio Grande Valley region.