Support Grows for Louisiana International Terminal Project

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The Louisiana International Terminal is set to boost economic growth in St. Bernard Parish.

News Summary

The Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) project in St. Bernard Parish is gaining support from state and federal sources despite local opposition. With an estimated cost of $1.8 billion, the project aims to enhance New Orleans’ international shipping competitiveness and is expected to create thousands of jobs while generating significant tax revenue. Concerns about environmental impacts and community disruptions persist among residents, leading to calls for an alternative site for the terminal. The project is currently in the federal permitting phase, with construction anticipated to begin in 2025.

Violet, Louisiana – The Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) project in St. Bernard Parish has received significant support from both state and federal sources, amid ongoing opposition from local residents and political representatives. The project, spearheaded by the Port of New Orleans, aims to enhance the competitiveness of New Orleans in the international shipping market as vessels continue to grow in size. With an estimated cost of $1.8 billion, the LIT is seen as crucial for boosting Louisiana’s trade and economic prospects.

Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.), has been appointed by Governor Jeff Landry to oversee the execution of the project. In a recent communication, Landry emphasized the project’s importance, asserting that its successful completion would significantly benefit trade within the state of Louisiana.

Community support for the terminal has been marred by active opposition from a considerable segment of St. Bernard residents who are concerned about potential disruptions to community life and environmental effects. Detractors advocate for an alternative location for the container terminal on the west bank, which is under the control of the Plaquemines Parish port authority.

The Port of New Orleans initially announced the LIT project over four years ago and has since made substantial progress, acquiring approximately 1,100 acres in Violet for its development. However, reports indicate that the project’s costs may be escalating, with some estimates suggesting a price tag as high as $3.9 billion, a figure the Port of New Orleans has contested.

Economic projections for the LIT project provide insight into the anticipated benefits for the region. An economic impact study estimates that the new terminal will create around 2,000 jobs in St. Bernard Parish within five years of construction commencement, with total job numbers expected to reach 4,300 by 2030. Furthermore, it is projected that the terminal could generate an additional $760 million in tax revenue for the parish through the year 2050.

The project also includes infrastructure plans to support increased truck traffic, including construction of a toll road projected to cost approximately $800 million. Contributors from the New Orleans Regional Planning Commission are currently preparing a report on prospective routes for this toll road.

Funding for the LIT project has seen significant commitment, with $230.5 million allocated by the Louisiana Legislature and an additional $300 million pledged by federal sources. The financial framework for the project is structured as a public-private partnership, which includes collaborations with private operators such as Ports America and the Mediterranean Shipping Company.

Despite the support from various stakeholders, criticism persists. Local business figures and neighborhood activists continue to voice their concerns about the possible environmental impacts and changes to the community landscape should the terminal move forward. Conversely, some business owners favor the project, citing potential economic benefits and increased tax revenues from the terminal’s operations as key advantages.

The LIT project is currently in the federal permitting phase, with construction anticipated to begin in 2025. Initial operations for the terminal’s first berth are projected to be ready by 2028, providing a timeline for stakeholders as they navigate through community concerns and project development.

As the project moves forward, both its advocates and opponents remain engaged in discussions that will frame the future of this vital infrastructure initiative in Louisiana.