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Copyright 2022 The Port Log, Port of South Louisiana, and Renais sance Publishing LLC. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Port of South Louisiana, Post Office Box 909, LaPlace, LA 700690909. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the owner or Publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the magazine’s managers, owners or publisher. The Port Log is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, photos and artwork even if accompanied by a self addressed stamped envelope. art director Ali Sullivan production manager Rosa Balaguer production designer Meghan Rooney contributors William Kalec Drew Hawkins chief executive officer Paul Matthews chief operating officer Brian Cox chief commercial officer Julia Fisher chief project/planning officer Dale Hymel, Jr. chief government relations officer Roy Quezaire director of human resources Tamara Kennedy director of finance Grant Faucheux director of administration Vickie Lewis-Clark special projects officer Joel T. Chaisson senior advisor for commercial operations Ted Knight director of communications Micah Cormier
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SUMMER 2022 | PORT OF SOUTH LOUISIANA2 CONTENTS 4 director ’ s log 5 overview 6 around the port Civic Leaders in the River Parishes Roll Out Hurricane Preparedness Plans Ahead of the 2022 Storm Season. 10 airport The Port begins construction on more T-Hangars in light of increasing demand. 12 what ' s new Meet Renee Lapeyrolerie, Regional Leader of Multimodal Commerce 13 what ' s new 2022 Legislative Session Recap. 16 what ' s new Interns from United States Merchant Marines Academy reflect on their time at the Port. 18 port raits 20 port owned facilities 22 port map 24 final frame
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Paul ChiefMatthewsExecutive Officer stanley bazile secretary katie klibert vice president robbie leblanc treasurer ryan burks chairman whitney hickerson vice president judy b songy vice chairwoman louis joseph vice president paul matthews ceo p. joey murray, iii vice president d. paul robichaux vice president
Greenfield Louisiana plans to construct a state-of the-art export grain terminal which will move 11.0+ million metric tons annually of U.S. grown agriculture products. It is important to note that, given the safety protocols and technology innovations that Greenfield Louisiana have designed into the facility and will implement for construction and operations, there will be minimal environmental impacts resulting from the construction of the terminal. An added value to the project will be significant direct economic benefit to the region, including 200 safe, high-paying jobs with salaries up to two times the national average and three times that of the state of Louisiana. This will prove to attract young residents back to the area to build a good life for their families for generations to come as well as provide opportunity for current residents of the area. With over 26 million tons of crude oil imports per year, three major oil refineries, and 11 petrochemical manufacturing facilities, the Port of South Louisiana has been ranked the second-largest energy transfer port in the nation. Getting that fuel from the Port to consumers is especially vital right now. That’s why important projects such as the recent construction of a six-track rail yard adjacent to Dow Chemical in St. Charles Parish make that transfer even more efficient. The Port also recognizes the energy transition that is happening globally. Along with major investments in renewable energy that are being made at facilities throughout the River Parishes, the Port of South Louisiana has partnered with Greater New Orleans, Inc. to secure funding for refueling stations for lowcarbon emission, hydrogen-based methanol-fueled vessels. These will be the first of their kind in the nation.AtThe Port of South Louisiana, we continue to proactively assess market trends and how to best meet the needs of our region before they happen. We will “Be Ready” so we never have to “Get Ready.”
SUMMER 2022 | PORT OF SOUTH LOUISIANA4 DIRECTOR’S LOG
The food we eat, the furniture we use, the shoes on our feet, the fuel in our cars – there’s no way around it; it all comes through a port. That is exactly what is happening everyday at the port on the river in your region. The work done there is quite literally feeding and fueling the nation and the world. As America’s leading grain exporter, 60 percent of the nation’s grain comes right through the Port of South Louisiana. The importance of that statistic cannot be understated. With conflict in Russia and Ukraine, the world is facing a grain shortage that could affect nearly 400 million people. Farmers and industry are coming up with new technology and solutions every day to address this crisis, and the Port of South Louisiana is ground zero for that movement.
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MISSION
The Port is charged with a mission to promote maritime commerce, trade and develop ment, and to establish public and private partnerships for the creation of intermodal ter minals and industrial facilities.
WORLD’S LARGEST PORT DISTRICT
The Port’s philosophy of development is to entice companies to set up regional operations within its boundaries. The Port serves primarily as a “landlord” port to more than 30 grain, petroleum and chemical companies. The exception to this is the port-owned world-class inter modal Globalplex facility SoLaPort, and the St. James Westbank property.
The state legislature established the Port of South Louisiana in 1960 to promote commerce and industrial development along the 54-mile stretch of the Mississippi River that runs through the St. Charles, St. John and St. James tri-parish regions.
GOVERNANCE
The ports of South Louisiana, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, St. Bernard and Plaquemines make up the world’s largest continuous port district. They are re sponsible for moving one-fifth of all U.S. foreign waterborne commerce.
OVERVIEW
PHILOSOPHY
FACILITIES Within the Port’s jurisdiction, there are seven grain elevators, multiple midstream ing operations, more than 40 liquid and dry-bulk terminals, the Globalplex Inter modal Terminal and the Port’s Executive Regional Airport.
The Port is under the jurisdic tion of the state of Louisiana and authorized by the state constitu tion. A nine-member board of commissioners directs the Port; all of them are unsalaried. •
PORT AREA The Port covers a 54-mile stretch of the lower Mississippi River between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The Port begins at river mile 114.9AHP near the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and winds through St. Charles, St. John the Baptist and St. James parishes. It continues north to river mile 168.5AHP just north of the Sunshine Bridge.
TRANSPORTATION CENTER OF THE AMERICAS PORT OF FIRSTLOUISIANASOUTHQUARTER2022TOTALTONNAGE:63,534,521 (IN MILLION SHORT TONS) NUMBER OF VESSEL CALLS: 946 NUMBER OF MOVEMENTS:BARGE14,370EDIBLEOILS/SUGAR / MOLASSES / OTHER 0.5 (<1%) MAIZE 14.4 (23%) SORGHUM (MILO) + RICE 0.4 (<1%) 10.1SOYBEAN(16%) CRUDE OIL 12.6 (20%) CHEMICALS / FERTILIZERS4.8(8%) ORES / PHOSPHATE ROCK 4.2 (7%) COAL / LIGNITE / COKE 2.3 (4%) STEEL PRODUCTS 1.2 (2%) ANIMAL FEED 2 (3%) WHEAT 0.9 (1%) PETROCHEMICALS9.6(15%) 8201 9201 2020 2021 202216.78 16.32 14.2 19.6 18.4 21.2716.8117.17 20.6113.1615.64 20.2114.7213.94 21.312.112.0 19.714.311.2 72.03 65.74 63.08 65.0 63.5 PORT OF SOUTH LOUISIANA TOTAL TONNAGE FIRST QUARTER COMPARISON (IN MILLIONS OF SHORT TONS) E X P O R T S I M P O R T S D O M E ST I C SH I PPE D D O M E ST I C R EC E I VE D
BY WILLIAM KALEC
for those who ride out a storm at home and what evacuees should do once they return.
STAYING THROUGHSAFETHE STORM AROUND
echnically speaking, “Hurricane Season” in South Louisiana lasts from June 1 to November 30. But the reality is, when you live in this part of the country—where the sheer power and destructive capabilities of these natural disasters can change lives forever—devising a plan for hurricanes is a year-round priority for government officials of St. Charles Parish, St. James Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish and their citizenry.
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
In 2021, residents of the River Parishes (and the Greater New Orleans region) suf fered heavy structural damage, flooding and weeks-long power loss once Hurricane Ida reached Port Fourchon as a Category 4 storm with winds reaching up to 150 mph.
THE PORT
Since power outages during storms can block lines of com munication, St. John president Jaclyn Hotard joined FEMA, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Pre paredness (GOHSEP), along with parish leaders from across the region when WWL Radio opened its new emergency radio broad cast studio in late June 2022. The facility was purposely constructed to withstand threats both natural (hurricane-force winds) and manmade (terror ist activities) so that citizens can receive information from
Civic Leaders in the River Parishes Roll Out Hurricane Preparedness Plans Ahead of the 2022 Storm Season battery-powered terrestrial radio sets even in a power outage. “Local media is critical to get ting information out,” President Hotard says, “and this facil ity provides yet another avenue to ensure we keep residents informed in the event of a disas ter or communications failure.” St. John’s 2022 Hurricane Preparedness Brochure can be downloaded from the par ish’s official website and con tains information on what to do with family pets, your own brick-and-mortar business, how to purchase flood insurance, a list of must-have survival items
Access St. John’s 2022 Hurricane Preparedness Brochure via the QR code below:
While all three of the River Parishes have had formal Hurricane Preparedness Plans for decades, the lessons learned from Ida are reflected in each of their 2022 editions.
T
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“Our plan is to extend this proj ect further along the bayou, but the area where the emergency bulk head was placed was vital to get done now because the protection in that area was compromised dur ing Ida,” says Matthew Jewell, St. Charles Parish President. “The fact that the emergency bulkhead was able to be completed before the tra ditional height of hurricane season this year was critical and will add significant protection in an area where we experienced issues last year.” Noting that communication is paramount during crisis, officials in St. Charles Parish expanded the avenues in which residents can
ST. CHARLES
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AROUND THE PORT
Once the summer began, St. James Parish officials made a strong push for its citizens to sign up for the Community Alerting System— a feature that’s been available for the existing protective timber wall.
receive important information when they launched the parish’s NEXT DOOR page. Through the app’s geotargeted messaging function, par ish officials can pinpoint announce ments to specific neighborhoods, thus ensuring relevant information reaches those who need to see/hear it. With the addition of NEXT DOOR, St. Charles Parish is now capable of reaching residents on six social media platforms. ST. JAMES
Situated in a vulnerable, low-lying area of the parish, Des Allemands— and more specifically, the residents and structures along Down the Bayou Road—suffered extreme flooding and damage when Hurricane Ida tore through the region last August. In response, FEMA allocated money for the immediate construction of an 800-foot emergency bulkhead to better protect person and prop erty in the inevitable event of another major storm. That project, which reinforces the area’s existing protec tive wall, was completed in July. The current emergency steel-sheetpile bulkhead was installed via barge and planted two feet outward from
SUMMER 2022 | PORT OF SOUTH LOUISIANA8 years that conveys emergency mes sages during a time of crisis. “Most of the time, it might be dif ficult for people to make or receive phone calls, but text alerts generally still function when other features don’t work,” says Eric Deroche, St. James Parish Director of Emergency Preparedness. “Internet might be out. Electricity might be out. But that text could answer a question in a time of need or provide a solution in a time of need. So that’s why it’s so important to get people signed up for that service.” Like many neighboring parishes, Deroche says Ida tested St. James’s Hurricane Preparedness Plan—rein forcing positive, safe-saving mea sures in the system, but also shining a light on areas that needed to be reconsidered after undergoing a try ing, merciless storm. For instance, Ida knocked out power throughout the region with some neighborhoods in St. James left in the dark for close to a month, which resulted in unforeseen consequences that are now addressed in this year’s Hurricane Prep Plan. “A power outage lasting that long was or money to Hurricane Ida relief efforts in St. James. Beyond opening the pantry, cupboard or one’s wallet, though, President Dufresne urges resi dents to also give their time to relief efforts, calling for the community to rally around a spirit of volunteerism when storms ravage our way of life and parish resources are exhausted. “You don’t realize the need for orga nizing community groups of volunteers until something like Ida happens,” President Dufresne says. “We’re so thankful for the generous outpour ing from so many people—dry goods, clothing, food. But we need people to give of themselves, too. We need volunteers to accept those goods, prepare that food, serve those thou sands of plates. Thank goodness for groups like the Lutcher and St. James High School band members who stepped up to the plate last year. “We hope in our lifetime that no one sees another storm like (Ida), but if we do, we need the commu nity to rally and serve one another, if they can. A few hours here and there can make a world of difference.” • something we’ve never seen before,” Deroche says. “So, fuel for generators was an issue—people running out of fuel. But what was also an issue with Ida, because of the huge influx of home generator use, was the amount of carbon monoxide alarm calls that Fire Services had to respond to. It put a huge strain on our Fire Services, to the point where we had to call on assistance from out-of-state crews to supplement our local depart ment because of the call volume.” To make the message of Hurricane Prep more palatable and consumable for modern audiences, St. James shot and produced a series of How-To You Tube videos that were released shortly before last year’s storm season. Video topics include how to sandbag your house, and how to dispose of debris once the storm has passed. Parish offi cials plan to produce more Hurricane Prep videos in the coming months. Lastly, Parish president Pete Dufresne expressed his heartfelt thanks to the hundreds of Louisi anans in and around the River Par ishes who donated food, supplies AROUND THE PORT
When the Port acquired the operational rights to the airport and unveiled its “Master Plan” in late 2011, the desire
Furthermore, Professional Engineering Consultants of Baton Rouge purposely designed these 10 new T-Hangars to handle the dimensions of the aircraft owned by tenants on the original Waiting List. That includes Cessna 340s, a Beechcraft 55 Baron, Daher TBM 900, among others.
Earlier this year, construction began on the $1.8 million project at the Executive Regional Airport. Roughly one-third of funding was covered by a Department of Transportation grant.
In light of increasing demand, The Port of South Louisiana wasted little time ordering up another batch of 10 T-Hangars for lease at the Executive Regional Airport operational and rented out, we sought funding and explored the idea of making another batch of 10. We got right back to it.”
I n 2018, Port of South Louisiana officials secured funding and commissioned construction of 10 rentable T-Hangars to store planes at the Executive Regional Airport, hoping to bring in new tenants and increased traffic for the airport. Much to their pleasant surprise, the moment this project was formally announced and made public, the number of interested aviators far surpassed the soonto-be available units for their aircraft. The demand surpassed even the Port’s own expectations. It was a great problem to have, but one that still required action if the Port’s full potential could be realized. The solution? Build another 10 T-Hangars right across the apron from the original 10.
SUMMER 2022 | PORT OF SOUTH LOUISIANA10 AIRPORT NEWS
Unlike a traditional box hangar, these “Nested T-Hangars” allow for the tail sections of the aircraft to sit in the center of the structure, which provides a more costeffective use of the space. In this scenario, the overall length of the hangar can be reduced. Same goes for the apron space, and therefore, the total cost of building materials.
“When we laid out the plans to build the first ten units, our airport director at the time put out a notice or survey to gauge interest in the number of aircraft owners who would like to rent out a hangar,” says Dale Hymel, the Port’s Chief Project and Planning Officer. “Well, 24 people expressed interest, and we were only building 10, so we immediately had a Waiting List before the first T-Hangar was even constructed. “As soon as the initial 10 were
MORE T-HANGARS ARE TEED UP AT THE PORTBYWILLIAMKALEC
When these 10 new T-Hangars are operational in December 2022, they’ll represent the third publiclyaccessible aircraft storage structure built at the Airport in the past decade. Prior to the construction of the original 10 T-Hangars, the Port commissioned an 8,000-sq. foot ‘Transient Hangar’ back in 2017 that can be rented out on a temporary basis to serve the needs of travelers stopping in the area for a short time— an Aircraft Hotel, if you will.
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WWW.PORTSL.COM | SUMMER 2022 11 AIRPORT NEWS for upgrades and improvements (like these hangars) was done to attract more aerial traffic.
“The Master Improvement Plan at the airport has really transformed this overall facility in a matter of years,” Matthews says. “But there are additional steps to take and challenges to figure out. For instance, expanding the runway further to the north another 1,000 or 1,500 feet would open up the possibly of being more than just a general aviation facility (people owning private planes, personal travel, the occasional corporate jet flying executives to check their facilities up and down the river).
“The Executive Regional Airport is one of only two port-owned airports in the state of Louisiana,” says Commissoner Joey Murray, Chair of the Aviation Committee. “We have the unique ability to not only attract avaitors from throughout the region, but to also expand our operations to make the Port of South Louisiana a logistical hub for the entire region.”
We have the land available to keeping build out, which would allow us to become a 'Light Cargo' airport, as well. That would allow us to take further advantage of the airport’s proximity to our terminal on the Mississippi River, about a mile away. As far as next goals and next steps for the airport, that would certainly be one of them.”
Port of South Louisiana CEO Paul Matthews echoes that the potential for even more growth is already present at the Port and, while the plan for increasing capacity for aerial traffic has come to fruition, Port officials aren’t done considering ways to upgrade the airport and expand operations.
I am passionate about my Momma, my ancestry, and I am becoming known in certain circles as a grower and promoter of the Louisiana heirloom mirliton. I am a part of a group under the banner mirliton.org, and we profile growers around the state and ask them to share seed after they get their annual Fall crop. We want to get mirliton vines back on hurricane fences in people’s yards again.
My job is authentically exciting; there is something new almost every day. There is nothing like a site visit, particularly with a boat ride. I have yet to participate in any aerial inspections with our aviation section.
I also served as the executive director of the Louisiana Democratic Party. What drew you to a role with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development? I was recruited by an engineering firm as a client service leader for Louisiana. I served eight years there and learned a great deal about water, energy, environment, and the transportation study, planning, design and build processes. I became passionate about infrastructure and all that it means to communities. My collective experience is of great benefit to me in this role. This office serves to coordinate the four primary modes of transportation through communications, collaboration and planning. The Office of Multimodal Commerce was created by an act of the legislature to elevate multi-modalism to a level commensurate with its role in our state’s economy. I had the tremendous honor of being appointed to this position by Governor John Bel Edwards.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishments in your current role?
How do you keep your job exciting?
Outside of your professional role, what else are you passionate about?
Q&A with a St. John Native & State Leader of Multimodal Commerce
What have been some of your greatest challenges, and how have you overcome them? We did not slow down during the COVID-19 pandemic. I have a great team, and they kept our critical infrastructure grant programs on target while trying to remain healthy.
Are there new advancements or initiatives you're particularly excited about right now?
SUMMER 2022 | PORT OF SOUTH LOUISIANA12
Why is multimodal transportation such a critical player in Louisiana's economy?
For three decades, Renee Lapeyrolerie has been committed to a life of service. That singular drive has been manifest in multiple roles across various industries–political consulting, public relations, engineering, and even an interim role with the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans. Lapeyrolerie sees each previous challenge as a building block that prepared her for her most significant job to date, as Commissioner of the Office of Multimodal Commerce for the Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development. Lapeyrolerie caught up with Port Log to recount her professional journey so far, to discuss her department’s vital role in Louisiana, and to look forward to her next big projects.
MEET RENEE LAPEYROLERIE
Tell us about yourself. How did you get started on your career path? I am a proud native of Reserve and grew up half a football field from the Mississippi River. I now live half a mile from it in New Orleans. My career started with a communications degree from Loyola University and an interest in public service and policy. The bulk of my resume is as a communications professional and political consultant, including two presidential campaigns.
Louisiana is a multimodal state. Multimodal transportation is the backbone of Louisiana commerce, industry and trade. Our coastal and inland ports are economic hubs for their communities and support the nation’s agriculture and petrochemical industries, among other industries. We have 69 public airports, 39 active ports, 6 class 1 railroads, and a vast network for commercial trucking.
It is a work in progress, but to assist our partners in maximizing federal budget allocations to Louisiana, particularly via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. I have heard from stakeholders that we are doing a better job of communicating.
At this very moment, initiating a study of the Baton Rouge to New Orleans passenger rail service and also knowing that the I-20 corridor will be studied. I am also excited about the future of the Port of South Louisiana. This port has great multimodal accessibility for rail, trucking, and even air cargo. It is the link between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, which are all ports of Louisiana. We are competing against Texas, Alabama and Georgia, not against our brothers and sisters, and I have seen the ports finding ways to work cooperatively.
The system accounts for a $6.7 billion direct economic output and 59,000 jobs.
WHAT'S NEW
REPRESENTATIVE GARRETT GRAVES - DISTRICT 6
Carter previously served in the state legislature and says he was disappointed to see this year’s session pass unrepresentative congressional maps and refuse to pass voting rights protections, which he says continues to “silence and dilute” the voices of Black Louisianans. “The leadership of the Louisiana Legislature,” Carter says, “is drifting farther and farther from the mainstream, focused on imposing their personal positions on social issues upon the people of Louisiana instead of fighting for policies that will advance the state and provide opportunities for our children.”
Congressman Garrett Graves represents Louisiana’s Sixth Congressional District in the US House of Representatives. He serves more than 750,000 people across 13 parishes, which includes most of his hometown of Baton Rouge, many of the city’s suburbs, parts of parishes along both sides of the Mississippi River to the western shores of Lake Pontchartrain, and through Thibodaux to Houma.
He also played a vital role in bringing about much-needed upgrades to federal disaster response and disaster recovery programs, helping to create faster recoveries and making communities across the country more resilient to natural disasters.
Schexnayder had a busy 2022 session. He served as Speaker of the House, presiding over every session, putting to a vote any questions or measures that required consensus, and explaining or clarifying procedural rules, which is a vitally important role. He also authored impactful legislation that went on to be signed into law, including a bill that helps disperse funds from the American Rescue Plan—getting money into the hands of Louisianans that need it. He also authored bills that help fund firefighter training, boost agricultural production and improve the state’s emergency preparedness.
Senators and House Representatives who advocate for the Port of South Louisiana’s tri-parish district had an active and productive year during the 2022 Legislative Session and the 117th United States Congress. Get to know your legislators and learn about some of their main priorities and achievements.
LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS RECAP
REPRESENTATIVE TROY CARTER - DISTRICT 2
Additionally, Schexnayder supported the funding appropriations that set aside more than $100 million for infrastructure projects at the state’s ports.
Congressman Troy A. Carter proudly represents the people of southeast Louisiana—the Second Congressional District—in Congress.
Carter says he’s grateful to see the state’s ports succeed despite the pandemic, which is part of the reason he voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which invests more than $17 billion in port infrastructure and waterways.
During the last Congressional session, Graves focused on the development, passage and enactment of a wide range of policy measures related to rivers, levees, flood protection, coastal issues and Corps of Engineers reforms.
REPRESENTATIVE CLAY SCHEXNAYDER - DISTRICT 81
Representative Clay Schexnayder has been working for the people of Louisiana’s 81st District, which comprises parts of Ascension, Livingston, St. James and St. John the Baptist Parishes, since he was elected in 2011.
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SENATOR EDDIE J. LAMBERT - DISTRICT 18
Lambert has worked to secure funding for the state’s ports through the Capital Outlay process, which helps advance projects, improve infrastructure, and add jobs. He says the success is apparent. “The Port of South Louisiana has excelled over the last couple of years to be one of the leading Ports in the nation,” Lambert says.
Serving the people of the 19th District, Senator Gary Smith represents an area comprising Jefferson, Lafourche, St. Charles and St. John the Baptist parishes.
Brass believes that better education opportunities means more citizens in his district can find high-paying jobs. That reasoning is also why Brass supported funding appropriations for the state’s ports, which provide myriad career opportunities and could further stimulate the job market with more resources.
Price was also proud of the fact that the session was successful in dedicating surplus dollars to improving infrastructure, including millions of dollars to the state’s ports. “The Mississippi River is one of the economic drivers for this state, and we must continue to support all our ports to ensure that they remain viable to support our economy,” Price says.
Smith says he feels part of his job is supporting the Port of South Louisiana, which employs many of his constituents. Smith calls the port a “solid backbone of industry and employment” and says the Mississippi River is the “most important natural infrastructure” that supports trade, commerce and agriculture in the country.
In this year’s session, Brass focused much of his attention on education. He authored HB231, which provides for the transfer of academic credit from public postsecondary education institutions granting bachelor's degrees to institutions granting associate's degrees— making it easier for people to continue their education.
SENATOR GARY L. SMITH - DISTRICT 19
Senator Ed Price represents District 2, a large area that encompasses portions of 8 parishes, mostly along the Mississippi River.
In this year’s session, Lambert brought his experience to the table by authoring a wide variety of bills, ranging from re-creating the state’s Department of Environmental Quality to creating specialty license plates and recognizing April 18-24 as “Love the Boot Week,” which is dedicated to the cleanup and beautification of Louisiana.
SENATOR EDWARD J. “ED” PRICE - DISTRICT 2
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Senator Eddie Lambert represents the people of District 18, which consists of parts of Ascension, St. James and Livingston parishes. Before he was elected to the State Senate in 2016, Lambert worked in the House of Representatives for 13 years.
A native of Norco, Smith still maintains a law practice in his hometown and has been serving in the State Senate for more than a decade. In the 2022 session, Smith focused on updating and modernizing existing laws. For instance, he authored a bill that allows the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to hold open meetings via video conferencing, using tools such as Zoom, which allows for more community input.
Representative Kendricks “Ken” Brass represents District 58, which includes portions of Ascension, Iberville and St. James parishes. A committed and dedicated public servant, Brass has been working to help his community both inside and outside of the legislature. He’s served on numerous local boards and commissions and still manages to carve out time in his schedule to coach Biddy Basketball and T-Ball.
REPRESENTATIVE KENDRICKS “KEN” BRASS - DISTRICT 58
In this year’s session, Senator Price focused on taking care of state retirees. He authored Senate Bills 5, 6 and 7, which provided additional payments and adjustments to help support eligible retirees and beneficiaries. “I am extremely proud that we were able to provide a cost of living adjustment to our state retirees, which included retired teachers, state workers, and state police,” Price says.
In this year’s session, Gaines focused mostly on criminal and procedural affairs with his own legislation, such as convictions rendered by a non-unanimous jury and election procedures during a state of emergency. But Gaines has long supported the state’s ports through efforts such as the Tiger Grant Application, which sought federal funds for the Port of South Louisiana’s Globalplex complex.
Joseph “Joe” Stagni has represented the state’s 92nd district, made up of the parishes of Jefferson and St. Charles, since he was first elected in 2017. Before he started working at the House of Representatives, Stagni served on the Kenner City Council, on two zoning boards and on former Mayor Phil Capitano’s transition team. Stagni even won an award from the Louisiana Civil Service League in recognition for his Givenwork.his commitment to his community, it’s no surprise that much of Stagni’s focus in the 2022 session was on local matters such as renaming Kenner city council’s building and providing for loss of use benefits in homeowner’s policies— the latter of which is a major concern heading into this year’s hurricane season. That commitment means Stagni also supported appropriations for the Port of South Louisiana and the Port of New Orleans, which received a combined $120 million for infrastructure projects.
An attorney from Laplace, Gaines served in the United States Army for 25 years, including during major military operations like Desert Storm, as well as in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. At the legislature, he serves on the House Select Leadership Committee and the Special Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs.
REPRESENTATIVE RANDAL L. GAINES - DISTRICT 57
Representative Gaines’ district lies in the heart of the River Parishes. The 57th district comprises St. Charles and St. John the Baptist parishes, and Gaines has been serving the region since he was elected in 2011.
REPRESENTATIVE JOSEPH A. STAGNI - DISTRICT 92
Representative Miller works for the people of the 56th district, which is made up of parts of St. Charles and St. John the Baptist Parishes. For Miller, one of the legislature’s biggest accomplishments of the 2022 regular session was allocating the surplus dollars available in a fiscally responsible way. “We were able to make the largest state investment in infrastructure since the 1980s,” Miller says. That investment includes $450 million for safe drinking water and sewer projects throughout the state, money for highway and bridge improvements, $1.2 billion in coastal restoration and hurricane protection, and $60 million towards Louisiana community and technical colleges for training in high demand jobs, such as broadband and healthcare.
REPRESENTATIVE GREGORY A. MILLER - DISTRICT 56
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Additionally, approximately $20 million was appropriated for the Port of South Louisiana and about $100 million for the Port of New Orleans for infrastructure improvements.
The internship also opened both students’ eyes to the “shore side” aspect of the mari time industry. While the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy has a long and storied tradi tion of educating leaders who go on to serve the national security, marine transporta tion and economic needs of
oah Kunce and Nathan Mars – a defensive end and offensive lineman, respectively, on the U.S. Mer chant Marine Academy varsity football team – joined another winning team for two weeks this summer: the administrative staff of the Port of South Louisiana. Kunce and Mars were extended an invitation by Ted Knight, the Port’s Senior Advisor for Commercial Operations and a fellow Merchant Marine Acad emy football alum, to serve as interns in the River Par ishes during their three-anda-half week summer break. While their stay at the Port BY WILLIAM KALEC
SUMMER 2022 | PORT OF SOUTH LOUISIANA16 TWO WEEKS AS PROFESSIONALSPORT WHAT'S NEW N
Throughout the internship, Kunce and Mars sat in on vari ous executive meetings, includ ing matters of logistics, the Port’s 10-year Master Plan, government agencies like the Department of Agriculture, and potential new domestic and international industries seek ing to relocate or expand opera tions on the Mississippi River.
Two students of the United States Merchant Marines Academy spent summer break learning the ropes at the Port of South Louisiana was brief, both college students were exposed to multiple fac ets of the day-to-day opera tions of the largest tonnage port in the Western Hemisphere. “We got thrown into the mix right away, observing the execu tive staff at the Port and see ing how this massive operation gets managed at multiple levels” says Kunce, a Marine Engineer ing and Shipyard Management major. “The decisions made on a daily basis have ramifica tions that extend far beyond the area, so it was interesting to see those inner workings up close.”
Although the internship was somewhat abbreviated because of the Merchant Marine Academy’s semester schedule, both Kunce and Mars were in south Louisiana long enough to gain a full perspective of the Port’s total impact, be it near or far. Within this 54-mile stretch of river, tens of thousands of local residents are employed in highpaying careers. On a state level, the Port of South Louisiana pro vides billions in direct and indirect economic impact and generates hundreds of millions in state tax revenue. And globally, the Port of South Louisiana handles more than $69 billions in trade on an annual basis and remains a vital and stra tegic passageway for the world’s
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WWW.PORTSL.COM | SUMMER 2022 17 the country, the major of Kunce’s and Mars’ hands-on training has been ‘underway’ on ships.
ABOVE: Intern Mas, Quezaire, Intern Kunce RIGHT: Intern Mars, Knight, Matthews, Intern Kunce
be made each day here.”
“A lot of what we do at school, at least for our sailing periods, is more operational as a cadet,” Mars says. “This experience was both interesting and beneficial because we got a glimpse into an aspect of the maritime industry—the admin istrative side—that a lot of people go into later in their careers.”
OPPOSING PAGE: Merchant Marine Interns Kunce & Mars
Port of South Louisiana CEO Paul Matthews says both interns serve as a testament to the strength of the next-gen maritime work force and that, just as Kunce and Mars were impacted by their time observing and learn ing, the Port saw just as much benefit from the experience. “It was a pleasure to welcome these two men of the grey and blue to the Port of South Louisi ana," Matthews says. "Noah and Nathan were quick learners and I know these two young men will take what they learned along the Mississippi River and have out standing careers as Merchant Marine Academy graduates.” • food and energy supply chain. “Going in, I just wanted to absorb all that I could in this two-week ‘crash course’, if you will,” Kunce says. “To see if this is something I wanted to con sider as a future. Being involved in it first-hand, you’re drawn to this worldwide point of view or scale. At a Port of this size, what happens affects the lives of peo ple locally, obviously. But what you do, and the decisions you make, also affect national and global economic development. “So the magnitude of it all, and the far-reaching impact of the Port, really becomes clear to you once you’re able to wit ness the choices that have to
Delta Regional Authority, a congregation of business leaders and elected officials from the Delta Region, visiting the Port of South Louisiana to discuss transportation and infrastructure.
Paul Matthews in April at a speaking engagement with Jefferson Parish high school principals about career paths at Associated Terminals.
SUMMER 2022 | PORT OF SOUTH LOUISIANA18 PORTraits
Port of South Louisiana executive staff attending June's 2022 C. Alvin Bertel Awards that featured recipient Big River Coalition's Sean Duffy.
LADOTD conducting a drone inspection at KAPS. Security Supervisor Dennis Millet being recognized at a com mission board meeting upon his retirement after 21 years of service. Pictured here with Commission Chairman Ryan Burks. Matthews on WBOK 1230AM in July, speaking about how Louisiana ports can collaborate and the impact Port of South Louisiana has on the world.
DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY
Port of South Louisiana executive staff and Commissioner Katie Klibert visit South Carolina's Port Greer in July.
In June, Port of South Louisiana hosted Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals lower Mississippi basin meeting, a learning and networking opportunity for its members.
WWW.PORTSL.COM | SUMMER 2022 19 PORTraits
In June, the Port had the privilege of hosting this year's River Region Chamber Leadership Class of 2022. Staff of Plaquemines Port Harbor and Terminal District, including Executive Director Sandy Sanders, visit the Port of South Louisiana in May for a reunion with Paul Matthews.
Husky mix Stormy prepares to be flown to her forever home by KAPS tenant Gerald Herbert (R) in May 2022. Also pictured is KAPS Supervisor Charles Palmer.
Paul Matthews at the American Association of Port Authorities' Trade Routes Seminar in June 2022, where he got to catch up with longtime mentor and CEO of Port Tampa Bay, Paul Anderson, and participated in a panel discussion regarding investments by MSC group.
ADM RESERVE address : 2032 La. Highway 44, Reserve, La. 70084 phone : 985-536-1151 fax : 985-536-1152 web : ADMWorld.com contact ( s ): Mike Landry, generale manager of commercial operations location : River mile 139.2 function : Grain export elevator. other : Fully automated
GLOBALPLEX INTERMODAL TERMINAL GLOBALPLEX BULK DOCK
PORT OF SOUTH LOUISIANA EXECUTIVE REGIONAL AIRPORT
PORT OWNED FACILITIES
SUMMER 2022 | PORT OF SOUTH LOUISIANA20 address : 155 West 10th Street, Reserve, La. 70084 mailing address : P.O. Box 909, LaPlace, La. 70069 phone : 985-652-9278 fax : 985-653-0798 e mail : info@portsl.com web : www.portsl.com contact ( s ): Julia Fisher, Chief Commercial Officer location : River mile 138.5 equipment : Two Manitowoc 2250 rail-mounted gantry cranes; 100,000-pound capacity weighing scale for trucks; 100,000 square foot warehouse; 72,000-sq. foot, and 40,000-sq. foot transit shed; and a 177,000 sq. foot paved open storage pad dock : 204 ft. x 660 ft. with upstream and downstream mooring dolphins. allow for dockage of panamax size vessels; 700 ft x 65 ft finger pier general cargo operators associated terminals ph : 985-536-4520 mailing address : P.O. Box 909, LaPlace, La. 70069 phone : 985-652-9278 fax : 985-653-0798 e mail : info@portsl.com web : www.portsl.com contact ( s ): Julia Fisher, Chief Commercial Officer location : River mile 138.5 function : Transfer and store bulk, primarily cement fluorspar limestone and wood chips equipment : An 800 tons-per-hour continuous Carlsen ship unloader, a 1,800 tons-per-hour ship-loading system, 100,000 tons of cement storage in two storage domes, 70,000 tons of storage for flourspar in an A-frame building and approximately nine acres of paved open storage for wood chips and other products. dock : 507’ x 44’ with upstream and downstream mooring buoys to allow for panamax-size vessels
mailing address : P.O. Box 909, La Place, La. 70069-0909 physical a ddress : 355 Airport Road, Reserve, La. 70084 phone : 985-652-9278 web : portsl.com/airport-services email : psl-era@portsl.com contact : Brian Cox, Chief Operating Officer location : N30° 05.25’, W30°34.97
WWW.PORTSL.COM | SUMMER 2022 21
address : 6410 Plains Terminal Road, St. James, La. 70086
MPLX L.P. (PIN OAK TERMINALS)
terminal manager : Craig Ellinwood phone : 225-265-2353 fax : 225-265-3171 web : PAALP.com location : Mile marker 158.6 function : Storage of petroleum products.
contact : Gregg Qualls phone : 504-533-8783 web : PinOakTerminals.com location : Mile marker 144.1 function : Storage of petroleum products.
contact : Julia Fisher, Chief Commercial Officer Property acquired for development.
address : 4006 Highway 44, Mt. Airy, La. 70076
PSL WESTBANK ST. JAMES
PORT OWNED FACILITIES
SOLAPORT
West Bank industrial site acquired for development into an industrial park located adjacent to Dow in St. Charles Parish.
PLAINS MARKETING L.P.
SUMMER 2022 | PORT OF SOUTH LOUISIANA22 INDUSTRY MAP
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FINAL FRAME Photo of Globalplex dock courtesy of Port of South Louisiana Captain Jared Mabile. SUMMER 2022 | PORT OF SOUTH LOUISIANA24
