184 



jobs are indirectly related to the port's activity. There is no doubt that the port has 

 become a vital force in the commerce of the United States and the world. 



While Houston is one of our nation's busiest ports, we are also one of the 

 narrowest deep draft channels. The channel was last improved in 1966 when it was 

 deepened to 40 feet and widened to 400 feet. 



As you can imagine, ships and shipping patterns have dramatically changed to 

 meet the demands of world trade over the last 30 years. Likewise, for reasons of 

 safety, environment, and economics, we believe that the Houston Ship Channel is 

 long overdue to be improved. 



The voters of Harris County agree and have committed significant local funding 

 to support these improvements. In 1 989, Harris County voters approved by a two-to- 

 one vote a measure that will provide the local funding ($1 30,000,000) to deepen the 

 channel to 45 feet and widen it to 530 feet. 



BACKGROUND 



Publication in 1987 of a Final Environmental Impact Statement regarding the 

 Houston Ship Channel project prompted a request for a Supplemental Environmental 

 Impact Statement. It was agreed that Congressional authorization would be deferred 

 until 1994 while several environmental issues would be explored. 



The Port of Houston Authority has been working with federal and state 

 agencies for almost two years as part of an Interagency Coordination Team 

 cooperative effort to address environmental interests. The port's role includes active 

 participation and direct financial support of this environmental initiative. 



The Interagency Coordination Team represents a broad and diverse range of 

 environmental interests including: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); U.S. Fish 



C:\WP51\MISC\TESTIMONY.430 Page 3 



