Significant progress has been made toward the design and development of the $1.8 billion Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) project in Violet, La – with major financial commitments and support from global industry partners as well as the state and federal government. 

Last week, Port NOLA was awarded the largest investment in a new container terminal in U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) history.



The USDOT announced last month that they have awarded Port NOLA $300 million to assist in the development of the LIT. This funding through USDOT's MEGA & INFRA Grant Programs will support the first phase of the overall $1.8 billion project's construction and is in addition to the significant funding commitments from private industry partners, the State of Louisiana, and Port NOLA. This priority project for Louisiana garnered support from more than a dozen ports in six states and major trade and agriculture associations throughout the heartland of America. 

The world's leading ocean carrier, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), and North America's largest terminal operator, Ports America, committed $800 million in private investment to the development of the LIT. It will be a landmark project, transforming Louisiana's economy for generations with new jobs and tax revenues. 

Port NOLA and our partners continue to work through the federal permitting process and engage with the community so that we can deliver a project that protects quality if life and provides opportunity for all.

Response to "Critical Development Issues Overview Report"

The Port NOLA Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) in Violet is the largest single public economic development project in the state of Louisiana’s history and will transform our economy for generations to come. After years of market analysis, site selection, due diligence, community engagement, financial planning, permitting and design, LIT construction is on target to start next year. 

The “Critical Development Issues Overview Report” commissioned by St. Bernard Parish Government is a contradictory attempt to call into question the legitimacy of years of research and planning conducted by global maritime leaders, the Port of New Orleans, the Port of St. Bernard, Louisiana State leadership and federal administrators on the Louisiana International Terminal project.

The LIT project is broadly supported by Louisiana and global private industry and has been confirmed as the only economically and geographically viable option. The project has been thoroughly vetted by our state and federal partners. 



Port NOLA looks forward to continued collaboration as it works to deliver LIT and secure Louisiana’s position as a global container port and logistics leader.

Transportation Improvements 

In their January board meeting, the Port NOLA Board of Commissioners passed two resolutions to support transportation development in St. Bernard Parish. Ideally, a corridor project would consist of an elevated roadway connecting the future LIT in Violet with Interstate 510 to create a new major artery in and out of St. Bernard Parish. St. Bernard Parish leaders and residents have been seeking a new roadway for many years.

The Board approved a resolution authorizing Port NOLA to enter into a contract with global consulting firm WSP USA, Inc. for consulting services to develop a public-private partnership strategy for the delivery of new transportation infrastructure based on the findings of appropriate studies. As part of this work, WSP will analyze potential financing structures, delivery methods, project governance, and stakeholder engagement. 

Port NOLA continues to prioritize the development of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor as a parallel project with the construction of the Louisiana International Terminal. We are pleased that this new terminal can serve as a catalyst project for critical transportation infrastructure that will support future growth in St. Bernard Parish.

The State of Louisiana committed $50 million for the design of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, and in June, the Regional Planning Commission awarded a contract to GIS Engineering, LLC to study the corridor and other roadway improvements that will support LIT in Violet. 

RPC's Lower St. Bernard Parish, LA Roadway Network & Resilience Study

Currently, the Regional Planning Commission is conducting the initial study that will begin the transportation development process. Their feasibility study will formally document the need for the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, along with other transportation improvements, and will determine its alignment. 

RPC has kicked off their outreach portion of the study and are encouraging people to visit their project page to learn more about the study and how to get involved. This is the first of many steps in the RPC's project outreach plan and early feedback will support initial community engagement and transportation project scoping efforts.

Permit Process



We continue to work through the federal permit process with the Army Corps of Engineers and anticipate receiving the necessary permits in 2025. Construction will begin immediately after that, with the first berth opening in 2028.​ 

We invite you to learn more about the Louisiana International Terminal by visiting our website at louisianainternationalterminal.com or our Community Connection Office in Violet. We will be in our Violet office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 AM - 4:30 PM and are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment. To make an appointment with our team, email us at litinfo@portnola.com or call (504)528-3227.

Thank you,

Kylie Mills

Communications and Community Engagement Manager