Brownsville port officials say a measure signed into law by President Barack Obama authorizes the deepening of the Brownsville Ship Channel and makes the project eligible for federal money. Brownsville Navigation District Chairman John Wood says the Water Resources and Development Act of 2016 signed Monday by the president will deepen the channel from 42 feet to 52 feet, allow the waterway to accommodate larger cargo vessels carrying heavier loads and allow companies along the channel to expand their businesses.