Director’s Log

Port of South Louisiana has been dealt a unique set of challenges over the past decade. We’ve proven we can handle anything as a Port: high water, tariffs, hurricanes, a global pandemic. We can handle it! Not that it’s easy, but the people who work in the Port district are special people. They believe in the community, believe in the work, and have proven time and time again that they’re a strong bunch.

Hurricane Ida left some lasting effects on our Port as fallout from the pandemic lingers. Nevertheless, we built a solid foundation to take on these two storms of uncertainty that have afforded us the ability to bounce back. Although we suffered significant damage to our physical structures, our employees and operations have proven to withstand the pressure. We are repairing buildings, helping employees get back on their feet all the while trudging forward with growth and planning. We hope to take advantage of the funding relief that will be available to ports and apply it to planned infrastructure improvements and projects that will help us continue to move forward as the largest grain tonnage port and the second overall tonnage port in the Nation.

- Sponsors -

The River is the foundation of our intermodal transportation options and the basis for our irrepressible operations. Even through all of the challenging times, Port of South Louisiana’s team continues to field phone calls and host visits in person and virtually from company representatives and state-led projects looking to establish a presence in the Port’s jurisdiction. Inquiries regarding industrial land along the Mississippi River haven’t waned.

Port of South Louisiana’s Foreign Trade Zone #124 is one of the most active in the state. It has ranked in the top 5 for merchandise received over the last 20 years . Activity within the zone has facilitated the creation of more than 9,000 jobs in the region.

Out at Port of South Louisiana Executive Regional Airport, its Master Plan is on-going and will be a roadmap for any changes or expansion at our location. We hope to receive guidance from our Master Plan consultants, Kutchins & Groh, relative to runway expansion and infrastructure improvements to attract new business and accommodate potential cargo operations.

- Partner Content -

In striving to increase awareness about the Port of South Louisiana, we have jump-started a digital marketing campaign in conjunction with our print promotion. We appear in various publications and have increased frequency and engagement on all forms of social media. Please follow us on all platforms to keep up with the latest information.

It has been my honor to lead this port through the years and I am humbled by all that we have accomplished as a team. I’ve always said that our Port is a family and that rings true today as I look back on all that we’ve done together. As I leave my post as Executive Director of the Port of South Louisiana, the Mississippi River will always flow through my veins. I wish our Port family success and will be watching as you continue the legacy of Powerhouse on the River.