Posted on June 12, 2024
The Port of New Orleans is celebrating a new financial commitment state lawmakers made to the port during the recently adjourned legislative session.
The legislature committed $230.5 million to Port NOLA infrastructure projects, including the new Louisiana International Terminal and the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor. Prior to the legislature earmarking this money for the projects, the projects had received more than $1.1 billion in funding commitments from the federal government.
According to Port NOLA, the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor will be an elevated roadway located outside the levees outside the 40 Arpent Canal. The project would serve several purposes for St. Bernard Parish residents and businesses. The corridor would serve as a hurricane evacuation route and as an alternate route for trucks. The corridor would help alleviate traffic congestion in the area. Officials also expect it to attract new businesses to the area, bringing economic growth with them. Ultimately, officials expect the corridor to connect Lower St. Bernard Parish to the interstate system.
The Louisiana International Terminal will be built in Violet, about 17 miles downriver from the Crescent City Connection. Officials say this will eliminate air draft restrictions for vessels that currently call on the Port of New Orleans. The LIT is also expected to increase the state’s import and export capacity by serving vessels of all sizes.
