House Committee Advances $42M For Ship Channel Improvement

The House Appropriations Committee this week passed the Fiscal Year 2027 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, advancing major federal funding for the Matagorda Ship Channel Improvement Project (MSCIP), a long-planned infrastructure effort to expand and modernize the Texas Gulf Coast shipping corridor.

Rep. Michael Cloud (R), who serves as Vice Chairman of the Energy and Water Subcommittee, helped secure 31.3 million in new construction funding for the project, along with an additional $10.7 million for operations and maintenance, including oyster mitigation efforts tied to the channel expansion.

The MSCIP is being led by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and is designed to widen and deepen the Matagorda Ship Channel to improve port efficiency, reduce shipping costs, and lower the risk to nearby infrastructure from erosion and congestion.

The bill also directs the Army Corps to complete the project's Post Authorization Change Report (PACR), a required step before the project can receive full congressional authorization and additional federal funding.

"The widening and deepening of this ship channel is essential for the Port of Calhoun, the entirety of the Crossroads region, and American energy dominance," said Rep. Cloud. "As American energy production and exports reach all-time highs, it is critical that Congress continues to invest in the infrastructure necessary to win the energy race."

Rep. Cloud also pointed to the importance of Texas Gulf Coast ports in supporting national energy exports and economic growth.

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle also voiced support for the project during a recent hearing, calling it "a key opportunity" to strengthen America's petroleum export capabilities.

The funding approved by the House Appropriations Committee marks another major step forward for the Matagorda Ship Channel Improvement Project. Supporters say the project could significantly boost energy exports, strengthen Texas port infrastructure, and improve long-term economic growth along the Gulf Coast.