The project for navigation and ecosystem restoration, is part of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel – Channel Improvement Project authorized by Section 1001(40) of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. Funding for the construction contracts was approved on May 17, 2011 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as part of its 2011 work plan for the Army Civil Works program. The Project included the following elements:
• Extend the La Quinta Ship Channel approximately 1.4 miles to a depth of –41′ MLT.
• Construct an ecosystem restoration feature
• Create a breakwater and shallow water habitat beneficial use site
Extension of the La Quinta Ship Channel will 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. The Ecosystem Restoration component constructed near Ingleside-on- the -Bay, Texas consists of an offshore rock breakwater and shore protection and will protect and enhance approximately 45 acres of seagrass habitat. In addition, the improvements include the construction of approximately 200 acres of shallow water habitat created by the beneficial use of dredged material.