CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) - The Port of Corpus Christi's plans for a new oil export terminal have stalled after a former port commissioner sought to have the project blocked over concerns that negotiations were being kept from public view.

The Corpus Christi Caller Times reports that an appeals court issued an injunction on Tuesday, halting port officials from voting on a multibillion dollar lease for the proposed terminal at Harbor Island near Port Aransas.

The terminal project is intended to attract so-called very large crude carriers bound for international markets.

Former port commissioner Kenneth Berry sought to stop the port from approving a 50-year lease with Lone Star Ports LLC, saying port officials violated state law by negotiating the agreement in private.

Port officials denied any wrongdoing. Their attorneys say Berry is using litigation to gain a "professional advantage."

Information from: Corpus Christi Caller-Times, http://www.caller.com

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