About us

The Sabine-Neches Navigation District has operated in Jefferson County for over 100 years.

The Sabine-Neches Navigation District was formed in 1909 as the manager of the Taylor’s Bayou Saltwater Barrier. Later, that designation expanded to become the local non-Federal Sponsor to the United States Army Corps of Engineers for the Sabine-Neches Waterway.

The Sabine-Neches Waterway is the second-longest inland waterway on the U.S. Gulf Coast and home to two U.S. strategic seaports – the Port of Beaumont and the Port of Port Arthur.

To responsibly manage, advocate for and improve the ship channel and navigable waters of Jefferson County to enhance the economy, environment and quality of life in Southeast Texas.

As a political subdivision of Texas, the SNND responsibly and effectively:

Waterway Commerce – Promotes and supports the maintenance of the Sabine-Neches Waterway in order to facilitate and sustain commerce in the ship channel for Southeast Texas and the nation.

Taylor’s Bayou – Manages the saltwater barriers and flood control structures at Taylor’s Bayou.

Waterway Security – Funds and shares responsibility for waterway security on the ship channel.

The Sabine-Neches Navigation District is a responsible steward of the waterway. Its responsibilities include:

Working closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on maintaining the waterway.
Providing dredge-spoil placement areas for levee construction and easement/lease maintenance.
Serving as a liaison between the USACE and local industry regarding normal operations, new construction, and expansions.
Working with the USACE on appropriations acquisition, annual operations, and maintenance of the waterway and new projects.
Providing channel alignment, land reclamation, drainage, and erosion control for the Sabine-Neches Waterway, the Neches River, and Taylor’s Bayou.
Operating saltwater barriers to control saltwater intrusion in Taylor’s Bayou and Hildebrandt Bayou. These barriers also act as flood control gates for Jefferson County, which SNND uses to ensure proper drainage of rainwater.
Operating a control building with a modern control system to operate the
floodgates and navigational locks on Taylor’s Bayou.

THE WATERWAY

The lifeline that drives the economies of Southeast Texas

The Sabine-Neches Waterway, or the ship channel, is a “highway” through which more than 192 million tons of cargo is transported each year.

Staff & Commisioners

Meet the people of SNND

Sherri Arnold

Commissioner

Ken Duhon

Commissioner

Larry Grantham

Commissioner

Joe Johnson

Commissioner

Rick Lewis

Commissioner

Randall Reese

Executive Director & CEO

Matthew Kaufman

Deputy Director

Larry Fountain

Operations Manager

Kristen Perricone

Executive Manager

Kyle Reed

Project Manager

Elizabeth Santa Cruz

Office Manager

Rayann Wyble

Receptionist

Jean-Claude Butler

Lock Keeper

James Wyble

Lock keeper

Hubert Oxford, lll

General Counsel

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Sabine-Neches Navigation District do?

The SNND is a political subdivision of the state of Texas and has operated in Jefferson Country for over 100 years. The SNND is responsible for managing, advocating for and sustaining the navigable waters of Jefferson County, Texas to improve the economy, environment and quality of life in southeast Texas.

What is the Sabine-Neches Waterway?

With 57 miles of deep draft channel, The Sabine-Neches Waterway is the longest federal deep-draft ship channel on the Texas Gulf Coast. It is home to two strategic commercial military seaports and more than 50 United States Coast Guard regulated waterfront facilities.

What is the Sabine-Neches Waterway Channel Improvement Project?

The Channel Improvement Project – or “Deepening Project” – is a federally authorized and funded project currently under construction to deepen the Sabine-Neches Waterway from 40 feet to 48 feet. The deepening project will generate widespread economic benefits for the local region, state, and nation, including billions in economic gains, billions in taxes, and tens of thousands of new jobs. You can learn more about the Deepening Project here.

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