Funding Overview for Capital Improvement Projects at the Port of Port Mansfield
The Port of Port Mansfield, managed by the Willacy County Navigation District (WCND), has undertaken several capital improvement projects, including dredging and seawall construction, funded through a combination of federal and state resources. No private or corporate funds have been utilized for these projects in at least the past 11 years. Below is a detailed breakdown of the funding for the previous dredging project, the current pending dredging project, and the new seawall construction, incorporating provided data and available information.
1. Previous Dredging Project
Project Cost: $25 million
Funding Source: Federal funding coordinated through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
- Initial funding of $20 million was secured through the office of Representative Henry Cuellar.
- An additional $5 million was supported by Representative Filemon Vela’s office to complete the project.
Local Cost Share: $0 (No local contribution required for this federally funded project).
Details: This project involved dredging to maintain navigable depths in the Port of Port Mansfield’s channels, critical for supporting maritime activities such as fishing and shipping. Federal legislative relationships facilitated direct funding allocation to the USACE, bypassing grant requests to the Maritime Administration (MARAD), which have historically been unsuccessful.
2. Current Pending Dredging Project
Project Cost: $20 million (committed to date)
Initial earmark: $17 million
- Additional modifications by the USACE Galveston District increased the commitment to $20 million.
Funding Source: Federal funding coordinated through the USACE.
- Funding was supported and earmarked through the office of Representative Vicente Gonzalez.
Local Cost Share: $0 (No local contribution required).
Details: This ongoing dredging project aims to maintain or enhance channel accessibility, ensuring the port remains operational for commercial and recreational vessels. The USACE’s Galveston District has played a key role in refining the project scope and securing additional funds.
3. East and West Seawall/Bulkhead Improvements Project
Project Cost: $8.7 million (allocated)
Funding Source: State funding provided by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Maritime Division.
Local Cost Share: Approximately $2 million across three TxDOT-funded projects (including the seawall project, queuing yard, and road improvements).
Project Status: Approximately 41% complete as of October 30, 2025.
Details: This project focuses on improving the structural integrity and functionality of the east and west seawalls/bulk heads at the Port of Port Mansfield. These improvements are critical for protecting port infrastructure from erosion and storm surges, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Total Federal Funding for Dredging: Approximately $45 million for the two dredging projects (previous and current).
Total State Funding: $14 million from TxDOT Maritime Division, covering:
East and West Seawall/Bulkhead Improvements ($8.7 million).
- Queuing yard and road improvements (Airport Rd, Navigation Drive) ($5.3 million).
TxDOT Aviation Funding: An offer of approximately $800,000 for airport improvements was rejected by the WCND board before formal commitment.
MARAD Grant Requests: Multiple grant requests to the Maritime Administration have been submitted over the years, but no funds have been awarded.
Private/Corporate Funding: No private or corporate contributions have been recorded for WCND projects in the past 11 years.
Summary
The Port of Port Mansfield’s capital improvement projects rely heavily on federal and state funding, with no local cost share for federal projects and a modest $2 million local contribution for state-funded initiatives. Federal funding, secured through legislative relationships with Representatives Cuellar, Vela, and Gonzalez, has supported critical dredging efforts totaling $45 million. State funding from TxDOT’s Maritime Division ($14 million) has driven infrastructure improvements, including the ongoing $8.7 million seawall project. The absence of MARAD grants and private funding underscores the port’s dependence on public sector support to maintain and enhance its facilities.
For further details on federal funding processes, contact the USACE Galveston District or visit https://www.usace.army.mil/. For state funding inquiries, refer to TxDOT’s Maritime Division at https://www.txdot.gov/.
