Houston Ship Channel’s Project 11 Secures Full Federal Funding for Completion

HOUSTON—Port Houston has announced a major funding milestone for the Houston Ship Channel Expansion – Project 11. The President’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget includes a $161 million allocation to fund the project through completion, a move hailed by Port officials and congressional leaders as a significant federal investment in national infrastructure.

In addition to the $161 million for Project 11 construction, the President’s Operation & Maintenance (O&M) budget for FY26 includes another $53.6 million dedicated to the Houston Ship Channel. These new figures build on previously announced funding—$33 million for Project 11 and $98 million for O&M—already approved in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Workplan for FY25.

Port Houston Chairman Ric Campo praised the announcement, extending thanks to the federal delegation and industry partners who helped advocate for the funds. “This is a momentous achievement,” Campo said. “We appreciate the Trump Administration for recognizing the criticality of this expansion and applaud Congressman Wesley Hunt and Congressman Brian Babin for their tremendous advocacy and unwavering leadership to bring home the millions of federal dollars needed to complete Project 11. This project will keep our economy moving forward and enable our port to continue delivering for not just Houstonians but the entire nation."

Congressman Wesley Hunt, who has been an outspoken proponent of the initiative, emphasized its long-term strategic value. "Since my swearing-in nearly three years ago, one of my biggest priorities has been to ensure that Project 11 in the Houston Ship Channel is fully funded and its construction completed,” Hunt said. “As the largest energy port in the entire world, Project 11's success is essential to maintaining Texas's and the United States' energy dominance. I would also like to express my sincerest gratitude to President Trump for recognizing the importance of this project and his goal of ensuring America is once again a net exporter of energy."

Construction Milestones and Timeline

Construction is well underway on several segments of Project 11, and some benefits are already being realized. Reduced daylight restrictions—by up to two hours in both directions—have improved traffic efficiency for vessels, supporting smoother navigation along the channel.

Later this summer, Port Houston will finalize its dredging work between the Bayport and Barbours Cut ship channels. USACE will lead the remaining construction at Barbours Cut and the Turning Basin. The entire expansion project is expected to be completed by 2029.

Project 11 represents a key investment in maritime infrastructure, designed to improve navigation for larger vessels and strengthen regional economic development. Once completed, it will enhance both safety and efficiency across the Houston Ship Channel, which remains one of the busiest and most vital trade arteries in the U.S.

About Port Houston

For over a century, Port Houston has played a central role in facilitating trade and economic growth in the region. It owns and operates public terminals along the Houston Ship Channel, including two of the nation’s most efficient container terminals. The Houston Ship Channel is the top U.S. port by waterborne tonnage, supporting nearly 1.5 million jobs in Texas and over 3.3 million jobs across the nation. The port’s economic footprint totals $439 billion in Texas and $906 billion nationwide.

More information about Project 11 and its progress can be found at: www.expandthehoustonshipchannel.com.

Originally reported by Business Wire.