It’s been a busy couple of months, so we’d like to provide an update on the Louisiana International Terminal's development progress. The project remains on track.

The $1.8B terminal will serve vessels of all sizes, providing goods to support Louisiana's homes and businesses. This modern maritime gateway will also create family-supporting jobs, generate new opportunities throughout the state, and keep Louisiana competitive.

Permit Process

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

State Funding

The State of Louisiana agreed to provide $13.5 Million in Capital Outlay funds towards the Louisiana International Terminal during a joint budget panel in August. ​This brings the state's investment in early development costs to just under $30M. We are grateful to Governor Edwards and the Legislature for their commitment to this project.

St. Bernard Transportation Corridor  

This summer, the Regional Planning Commission (RPC) awarded a contract for the study that will formally document the need for the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor and other transportation improvements in St. Bernard Parish. 

The study, also known as the Lower St. Bernard/Louisiana International Terminal Roadway Network and Resilience Study, was awarded to GIS Engineering, LLC​, and kicked off earlier this month. This marks the next phase of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor project and will help determine the roadway's need and exact location.

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The St. Bernard Transportation Corridor is a Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development project and will likely include a private partner alongside state and federal funding for construction​. 

W. Smith Elementary School

In August, Port NOLA had the opportunity to present to the St. Bernard Parish School Board on our commitment to fund the construction of a new elementary school in Violet.

Port NOLA has identified two potential locations for a new, modern school facility for W. Smith within the community of Violet, and we support a public process involving the school board, Violet families, and faculty. The sooner the new school is built, the less impact terminal construction will have on students and staff.

Job Fairs & Educational Outreach

The Louisiana International Terminal project is projected to create more than 4,300 family-supporting jobs on and off the terminal for St. Bernard Parish by 2050. We know that area residents will need time and training to be ready for many of the careers that come along with the project. To help provide resources to residents who are looking for future opportunities, we are working with various organizations like the International Longshoreman's Association (ILA) and other industry, vocational, and educational partners to prepare pathways for the construction, logistics, and maritime sectors. We are also working to develop resources to help area residents with jobs that are currently available today in those sectors. 

To create exposure to the industry, our community engagement team continues to attend various career fairs and events like Spotlight St. Bernard, Chalmette High School Career Night, and the Chalmette High School Maritime Exposure Event. These events allow us to showcase an inside look at the working river and connect individuals with resources for different workforce opportunities. Our team is always excited to be a part of connecting and educating the next generation of maritime and logistics workforce. 

Opportunities, both current and upcoming, are out there, and our team is happy to help connect you all where we can. 

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)538-3227.

Thank you,

Kylie Mills

Communications and Community Engagement Manager