Barbours Cut Northside Expansion Project Gains FAST-41 Coverage

WASHINGTON (July 8, 2026) – The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Permitting Council) is pleased to announce the latest project to gain FAST-41 coverage–the Barbours Cut Northside Expansion project in Houston, Texas. Once permitted, this project is anticipated to increase the container capacity of the Barbours Cut Container Terminal at the Port of Houston.

“I am excited to welcome the Barbours Cut Northside Expansion project to FAST-41 coverage,” said Emily Domenech, Permitting Council Executive Director. “Upgrading and expanding our nation’s ports and waterways is essential to economic growth and job creation. I look forward to working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and with the team at the Port of Houston to get this vital project permitted without delay.”  

“As the nation’s largest port by waterborne tonnage, Port Houston is an economic powerhouse for the Lone Star State,” said Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX). “This FAST-41 expansion project will help increase the container capacity of the Barbours Cut Container Terminal, which is one of the busiest in the world, and allow for the Port’s incredible growth and productivity to continue.”

“I am thrilled to see the Barbours Cut Northside Expansion project take this important step forward. Through the streamlined permitting process, the Port of Houston's project will have the opportunity to greatly expand its cargo capacity. Texas ports generate more than $700 billion in economic activity each year, and this investment is critical to bolstering commerce, trade, and job creation in Texas and across the country,” said U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX). 

"FAST-41 designation for the Barbours Cut Northside Expansion project will enhance coordination, oversight, and transparency, helping us advance efficiently through the federal permitting process,” said Eric Casey, Chief Operating Officer of Port Houston. “Houston is home to the nation's fastest-growing major container port, and we are carefully considering options for future container capacity, including Barbours Cut Northside. We appreciate the Permitting Council's recognition of this project's importance and look forward to continuing our collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners."

Located on Spilman Island in Harris County, Texas, the project aims to make infrastructure improvements to support project container growth at the port. The project will construct and upgrade terminal facilities, optimize cargo-handling operations, and ensure that the port can efficiently accommodate larger vessels within the national freight network. The new cargo terminal will include construction of two new vessel berthing slips, an improved channel to allow ships to safely transit, and an improved turning basin.

The Barbours Cut Northside Expansion project is sponsored by the Port of Houston Authority of Harris County, Texas. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers serves at the lead permitting agency. Learn more about this project on the Federal Permitting Dashboard.