Dear Stakeholders,

The Port of New Orleans continues to make significant progress toward the design and development of the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) project. Located in Violet, LA, the project is the largest public economic development project in the State and continues to gain major support from global industry partners as well as the state and federal governments.   

The project is undergoing the federal permitting process through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is anticipated to receive all necessary permits in 2025, after which construction of the terminal will begin. 

Port of New Orleans Appoints Global Maritime Expert Beth Ann Branch as President & Chief Executive Officer

In October, the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans appointed maritime expert Beth Ann Branch President & Chief Executive Officer of Port NOLA and CEO of the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, effective Dec. 1, 2024. Branch is a globally recognized commercial strategist with more than 20 years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry.  

Violet Park Survey

Violet Park is currently located within the proposed Louisiana International Terminal footprint. Port NOLA is committed to providing funds to relocate the park within Violet.  

This is Violet’s Park, and community feedback is crucial for planning and development. Port NOLA is currently conducting a survey of Violet residents to collect data about the amenities that they would like to see in a new park. The results of this survey will be provided to the St. Bernard Parish Government.   

Port NOLA will be collecting feedback from Violet residents until November 26.

Mailer Update

On October 1, Port NOLA was made aware that a recent survey mailer sent to Violet residents contained a typographical error regarding the 2050 projected taxes for the Louisiana International Terminal. The correct projected jobs and tax information are below.

By 2033:    

• 2,000+ new jobs estimated in St. Bernard Parish (direct and indirect)    
• $27M in new tax revenue each year estimated for St. Bernard Parish    

By 2050:    

• 4,300+ new jobs estimated in St. Bernard Parish (direct and indirect)    
• $41M in new tax revenue each year estimated for St. Bernard Parish   
• $760M in total new tax revenue estimated for St. Bernard Parish    

Source: Lewis Terrell and Associates, Louisiana International Container Growth: The Economic Impact of the Louisiana International Terminal 2023 Q1 Update. February 2023   

A new survey with the correct information is being mailed to all Violet residents and is anticipated to be delivered within the next few days.

Field Testing

As Port NOLA plans and designs the LIT project, we need to ensure the terminal has a strong foundation before construction. Our soil studies have given us valuable insight and a path forward; the development process also includes validating those studies by performing different field tests.



Surcharge Testing

Earlier this year, we began a series of surcharge tests at two sites: Test Surcharge site #1 (TS-1) measures approximately 325 feet x 325 feet, including a prefabricated vertical drain, aka “wicks,” about 65 feet deep, with a pile of river sand up to 18 feet. TS-2 measures approximately 150 feet x 150 feet and will reach a height of roughly 10 feet.   

TS-1 has been constructed up to 10’, and wicks have been installed. This site is currently in an estimated two-month hold period, during which it is undergoing monitoring. TS-2 has also been constructed up to 10’ and has moved into its hold period.  

The surcharge tests are anticipated to last until January 2026.

Pile Load Testing

Port NOLA’s next step is to perform a series of pile load tests. The terminal will have a wharf for container ships to dock. Ramps will connect the wharf to the land. These structures will be supported by concrete piles, which are large poles driven into the ground.  

Port NOLA will conduct pile load tests to determine how deep these piles must be to support the wharf and ramps safely.  

Pile load testing is permitted, and construction on the two test pile sites is anticipated to begin in November 2024, with the first test set to begin in December 2024. Residents can expect to see contractors onsite Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Other potential impacts include increased noise from pile driving, traffic control and intermittent lane closures on St. Bernard Highway. Port NOLA will have teams onsite to monitor noise and vibrations to minimize impacts and coordination with local law enforcement for traffic support will be used as needed. 

Help Us Get the Message Out

We want to ensure that this information reaches as many residents of St. Bernard Parish as possible. Please help us spread the word by sharing our updates with your friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, and more! For those who would like to be added to our distribution list, please email LITInfo@portnola.com. 

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 virtual or in-person appointment. Email us at litinfo@portnola.com or call (504)528-3227 to make an appointment with our team. 

Thank you,

Kylie Mills

Communications and Community Engagement Manager