NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The Port of New Orleans' board of commissioners has agreed to establish a task force dedicated to increasing commerce along the Mississippi River in Jefferson Parish.
The move comes after complaints that the port had been neglecting the parish.
Officials tell The New Orleans Advocate’s Ramon Antonio Vargas they are optimistic the action will help see the parish's vacant riverfront land transformed into everything from new import-export yards to landings for upscale river cruises.
Jefferson Parish officials said Thursday the move will create new jobs, attract more visitors and boost economic development.
The Port of New Orleans includes Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard parishes, but Jefferson Parish President Mike Yenni's top aide, Keith Conley, said the parish was disappointed with the level of commercial activity occurring along the river in Jefferson.
