The Port of Corpus Christi is still waiting to receive a $105 million federal grant awarded in October. While the funding is “on track,” legal battles surrounding the Trump administration’s freeze on federal grants have stalled its disbursement. This grant, issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aims to reduce air pollution by financing zero-emission infrastructure and equipment.
Clean Ports Program and Grant Allocation
The port is among 55 recipients across Texas and the U.S., sharing $2.9 billion in grants through the Clean Ports Program, established by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The funding falls under the Zero-Emissions Technology Deployment initiative, supporting clean energy transitions at ports. Specifically, the Port of Corpus Christi’s allocation will help purchase three zero-emission battery-electric tugboats and other emissions-reducing equipment.
The EPA originally planned to issue awards in December, with 70% of the port’s proposed activities covered under the grant. However, a policy shift has put the disbursement of these funds on hold.
Trump Administration’s Freeze on Federal Grants
On January 27, the Trump administration issued two executive orders affecting federal grants, including those from the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The first order mandated that no funds be disbursed without senior appointee approval. In contrast, the second imposed an immediate freeze on new grant funds. A subsequent memorandum from the Office of Management and Budget reinforced this pause.
These legal challenges have left grant recipients in limbo, with the administration relying on agency-specific authority to delay or halt grant awards. Despite these hurdles, a spokesperson for the Port of Corpus Christi, Lisa Hinojosa, confirmed that the port remains on track to receive its funding but declined further comment on the matter.
Community Advocates Support Clean Energy Investments
Local and national environmental advocates highlight the grant’s significance. Laura Gillam, president of ResilientPath Strategies and a key contributor to the Inflation Reduction Act, emphasized the importance of modernizing ports to remain competitive with China, Mexico, and Canada.
“Ports are major sources of air pollution, often impacting vulnerable communities nearby,” Gillam explained. “Cleaning up our ports has enormous public health benefits and opens doors for economic growth.”
Chispa Texas, an environmental advocacy group, sees this as an opportunity for the Port of Corpus Christi to fulfill ecological commitments. Program Manager Elida Castillo expressed her hopes for increased accountability, workforce training, and greater collaboration between the port and community stakeholders.
“This grant can electrify port operations, reduce emissions, and promote cleaner solutions,” Castillo noted. “It’s about finding ways to cut costs without compromising public health.”
Can the Government Legally Halt Grant Payments?
According to Uniform Grant Guidance, agencies generally cannot pause grant awards based on shifting political priorities. However, the Office of Management and Budget has the authority to revise regulations, potentially leading to grant terminations if program objectives change.
Under the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, the executive branch may defer or rescind congressionally appropriated funds. Still, it must formally justify the action to Congress. As legal challenges unfold, grant recipients, including the Port of Corpus Christi, await further clarity on their funding status.