The Port of Corpus Christi celebrated the completion of the La Quinta Channel Extension Project on February 7 at the La Quinta Trade Gateway. The occasion was marked by a ribbon cutting and event officiated by Port Commissioner Barbara Canales. Several dignitaries attended the event, along with representatives from key participants of the La Quinta Channel Extension Project and members of industry which will see the benefits of extending the deep-water shipping channel.

The extension of the La Quinta Channel consisted of extending the La Quinta Ship Channel approximately 1.4 miles to a depth of -41’ MLT; construction of an ecosystem restoration feature; and creation of a breakwater and shallow water habitat beneficial use site. Extension of the La Quinta Ship Channel is designed to allow economic benefits to be achieved while enhancing the economy of the region by providing deep channel access to the Port’s La Quinta Gateway project.

Extending La Quinta Ship Channel provides support to the development at La Quinta Terminal as well as the voestalpine Texas Holding’s HBI production plant; TPCO American Corp. Steel Pipe mill in Gregory, Texas; Cheniere Energy’s proposed liquefied natural gas terminal; and the Gulf Compress Cotton Storage Facility.

La Quinta Trade Gateway Terminal is located on a 1,100-acre greenfield site on the north side of Corpus Christi Bay. When completed, this fully permitted project will include deep-water access (-45') and provide a state-of-the-art multi-purpose dock facility, construction of a 3,600’ channel frontage, 150 acres of container/general cargo storage yard and intermodal rail.