WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) announced today that the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies approved funding for the Sabine—Neches Waterway, the Freeport Harbor Channel Improvement Project, an energy supply chain resilience project at Lamar University, and Hickory Cove Marsh in Orange County.

If enacted, the bill would provide:

• $167,402,000 to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) construction account, to deepen the Sabine-Neches Waterway (SNWW) from its current 40-foot depth to its congressionally authorized depth of 48 feet, as authorized in WRDA 2014. The SNWW is the USA’s leading energy exporter and #1 exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG). No single project can do more for Texas and the rest of the United States now than the Sabine—Neches Waterway Channel Improvement Project.
• $90,660,000 to the USACE construction account for the Freeport Harbor Channel Improvement Project. Freeport Harbor Channel carries millions of tons of cargo annually, ranks 10th in chemicals, 26th in containers, and 19th in the nation in total tonnage. This project would deepen the channel from 51 to 56 feet, allowing for the efficient transport of much-needed energy exports, more efficient transits using a deeper draft, and a need to reduce safety risks and to promote overall growth in the 14th congressional district of Texas.
• $2,000,000 to the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Energy Project account for Lamar University’s Southeast Texas Data Analytics and Cybersecurity for Energy Supply Chain Resilience Project. This project will boost regional economic development, create high-paying jobs, and enhance the long-term sustainability of the U.S. and its global energy supply. By utilizing data analytics tools to improve cybersecurity, this project ensures that Texas will continue to lead the nation in reliable energy production.
• $500,000 to the USACE construction account for Hickory Cove Marsh and Living Shoreline’s Beneficial Use of Dredged Material Pilot Program. This project would support coastal resilience along the Gulf Coast, reduce storm damage to property and infrastructure, and restore marsh habitations north of the Sabine River. This project would also reduce the costs of dredged material placement by using it as fill material to produce a public economic and environmental benefit.

“I am delighted that these projects benefiting Southeast Texas were included in the Energy and Water bill, said Rep. Weber. "They are critical to the future of our district. Our ports and waterways are essential to the economy, carrying products to consumers across the country and sending our exports worldwide.  This infrastructure must be properly maintained, and given the tremendous backlog of work in our district, I am humbled by the opportunity to work within the congressional appropriations process to deliver wins for Texas.”

To see all Community Project Funding items in the House Energy & Water spending bill, click here.