Posted on July 27, 2026
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District, in partnership with Port Freeport, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 28, 2026, to recognize a major milestone in the Freeport Harbor Channel Improvement Project.
The navigation project deepens and partially widens the harbor channel, enhances the upper turning basin and eases the lower channel bend. The improved channel will provide greater access and operating flexibility for larger global vessels while improving navigation conditions for the pilots and mariners who use the channel.
The project strengthens Port Freeport’s ability to move energy products, vehicles, containers, chemicals, agricultural commodities, heavy equipment and other cargo. Those improvements also strengthen Texas’ network of ports and the national supply chains that connect American industries and consumers to global markets.
At full completion, the project is expected to position Port Freeport as the deepest port in Texas. Contract completion is scheduled for August 2026, with overall project completion anticipated during the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2026. A final clean sweep will help achieve design depth, remove remaining shoal and prepare the improved channel for full transit.
Event information
What: Freeport Harbor Channel Improvement Project Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Who: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District, in partnership with Port Freeport.
Scheduled speakers include:
- Phyllis Saathoff, executive director/CEO, Port Freeport
- U.S. Rep. Randy Weber, Texas’ 14th Congressional District
- Rob Giesecke, chairman, Port Freeport Commission
- Brig. Gen. George H. Walter, Commander Southwestern Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Sang Yi, president and CEO, American Association of Port Authorities
When: Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 10 a.m.
Note: Complimentary shuttle transportation will depart from the Port Freeport Administration Building between 9 and 9:45 a.m.
Where: Port Freeport Administration Bldg, 1100 Cherry Street, Freeport, Texas 77541
Project background:
- The Freeport Harbor Channel Improvement Project is a federal navigation project conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in partnership with Port Freeport, the non-federal sponsor.
- Congress authorized the project under Section 7002 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014.
- The project deepens and partially widens the harbor channel, enhances the upper turning basin and eases the lower channel bend.
- Completed reaches include Reach 3 at 51 feet and Reach 4 at 26 feet.
- Remaining project dimensions include the Reach 1 Outer Bar at 58 feet, the Reach 1 Jetty and Main Channel reaches at 56 feet, and Reach 2 at 51 feet.
- Greater depth and improved channel geometry increase vessel access, cargo flexibility, operating margin and navigation efficiency.
- Port Freeport ranks No. 17 nationally by commercial tonnage and supports energy, automotive, container, chemical, agricultural and other cargo operations.
- At full completion, the project will position Port Freeport as the deepest port in Texas.
- Contract completion is scheduled for August 2026, and overall project completion is anticipated during the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2026.
- After a final clean sweep to achieve design depth and remove remaining shoal, the improved channel will be fully open for transit.
- The project supports American commerce by strengthening Texas’ system of ports, expanding access to international markets and improving the resilience of national supply chains.
