The Army Corps of Engineers, which announced the funding Tuesday, will be in charge of dredging, to extend the channel 1.4 miles and deepen it from the current 45 feet.
The Port of Corpus Christi has set aside $15 million to start. The entire La Quinta Trade Gateway project is estimated to cost up to $600 million, including development with rail lines, docks and cranes.
Port executive director John LaRue says the project could be finished by the end of 2012.
