$14.6 million awarded to dredge Port Mansfield Channel

U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) announced that the Army Corps awarded $14.6 million in funding for pipeline dredging at the Port Mansfield Channel in Willacy County.

He said the long-awaited funding will help the port support an environment where established, new, and growing businesses thrive.

“Securing funding for the Port Mansfield Channel has been a top priority for my office,” Vela said in a news release. “This new round of funding will allow the Army Corps to dredge deeper, and prepare Port Mansfield to pursue critical economic development projects that are needed for the region.”

Willacy County Judge Aurelio Guerra Jr. said the money allocated to this project will benefit not only Port Mansfield, but all of Willacy County.

Raymondville mayor Gilbert Gonzales said the money will guarantee future increased traffic to the port, business development, and an economic boost to the region.

The dredging should be completed by March 2021.