The Cedar Port Navigation and Improvement District (CPNID), the Non-Federal Interest (NFI), is evaluating the feasibility of developing a deep-water connection between the Houston Ship Channel (HSC) and Cedar Port on Cedar Bayou in Chambers County.
The potential project area includes Cedar Bayou Navigation Channel, and portions of Tabbs Bay, Trinity Bay and Galveston Bay adjacent to the HSC. The project area also includes the existing Cedar Port terminal at Cedar Port Industrial Park in Baytown, Texas. The Cedar Bayou Navigation Channel is a federally authorized 5-mile shallow water barge channel.
Developing a connection between the HSC and a deepwater terminal facility at Cedar Port would allow direct access and improve navigation efficiency, safety and reliability. A new Cedar Port channel would help reduce vessel congestion to the upper reaches of the HSC by providing alternate cargo discharge locations. Cargo could be unloaded directly at Cedar Port then transferred directly to rail transport for distribution, creating greater efficiencies. Containers are currently moved over land to Cedar Port for distribution.
A range of alternatives have been evaluated that provide alternate water routes to Cedar Port. Ship simulations resulted in safety concerns for vessel navigation. Several alternatives were able to be redesigned within their general footprint to eliminate major safety concerns. The northernmost route could not be redesigned and was eliminated from consideration. An alternative that cuts through Atkinson Island (and reduces potential impacts on USACE maintenance dredging capacity) is currently the preferred alternative.
Section 203, as amended, provides project sponsors flexibility to conduct their own studies in cases where time and Federal budget constraints may not comport with sponsor’s schedules and needs.
Latest update (07/14/2025): Cedar Port Navigation and Improvement District (CPNID) is leading the development of the Feasibility Study document and associated technical studies in their entirety, relying on USACE for guidance and assistance at critical junctures. USACE is assisting with agency coordination and NEPA activities. CPNID anticipates submitting a final report to the ASA’s office in September 2025.