September 26 - Today, Port Corpus Christi, Texas, USA, is set to commence dredging operations for La Quinta Channel Extension project.

The project for navigation and ecosystem restoration, is part of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel Improvement Project authorised by Section 1001(40) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. 

Funding for the construction contracts was approved for funding on May 17, 2011 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as part of its 2011 work plan for the Army Civil Works programme. 

The Projects will result in the extension of La Quinta Ship Channel by approximately 1.4 miles (2.24 km); the construction of an ecosystem restoration feature; as well as the creation of a beneficial use site. 

Extending the La Quinta Ship Channel will allow economic benefits to be achieved while enhancing the economy of the region by providing deep channel access to the Port's proposed multipurpose/container facility. 

The Ecosystem Restoration component to be constructed near Ingleside-on-Bay, Texas, USA, will consist of an offshore rock breakwater and shore protection and will protect and enhance approximately 45 acres (18.21 ha) of seagrass habitat. 

In addition, the improvements include the construction of approximately 200 acres (80.94 ha) of shallow water habitat created by the beneficial use of dredged material.

The costs of the projects will be shared between the port and the Federal government. 

"As we continue to develop strategic business partnerships with countries in the Eastern Hemisphere, the dredging of the La Quinta Channel extension, along with the enhancement of the port's relationship with the Panama Canal Authority two weeks ago, is a key infrastructure component towards diversification of cargo efforts. It will support the linking of our port with ports in Asia and the Pacific Ocean," said Mike Carrell, chairman of Port Commission.

La Quinta Trade Gateway Terminal (Project) is a major component of the Port of Corpus Christi Authority's long-term development plan. Located on a 1,100 acre (445.15 ha) greenfield site on the north side of Corpus Christi Bay, when completed, this fully permitted project will provide a state-of-the-art multi-purpose dock and container facility. Project features consist of the Federal extension of the La Quinta Ship Channel, construction of three berth ship dock with nine ship-to-shore cranes, 180 acres of container/cargo storage yard, an intermodal rail yard, and over 400 acres (161.87 ha) for on-site distribution and warehouse centres. The facility will have the capacity to handle approx. 
1 million teu per annum.

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