Gulf Of Mexico To Get Another Artificial Reef

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) — The Gulf of Mexico will be getting another artificial reef as a retired Japanese-built freighter makes its way to a site off Texas.

The Corpus Christi Caller-Times reports the Kinta began its journey Monday from Alabama, where it was certified environmentally clean and safe to sink. The journey should conclude in a week to 10 days.

The 155-foot ship is destined for a 140-acre reef site in Texas waters between Packery Channel and Port Aransas (uh-RAN'-zuhs). The area is about 9 nautical miles from shore.

State and private groups last year spent about $1 million to prep the site, including placing concrete culverts and pyramids on the seabed. The partnership also includes the Port of Corpus Christi Authority and the city.