News Summary
Helena Moreno, a candidate for New Orleans mayor, faced criticism after claiming Port Fourchon is owned by the city. Port Executive Director Chett Chiasson clarified that the port is solely owned by Lafourche Parish. His comments reassured locals about maintaining control over the port, which is crucial for regional energy and economic development. Future projects include a $20 billion LNG plant, promising growth and local governance.
Port Fourchon, Louisiana – New Orleans mayoral candidate Helena Moreno faced backlash after visiting Port Fourchon and asserting in a social media video that the port is owned by the City of New Orleans. Moreno’s claims, which she later deleted, prompted significant concern among the Lafourche Parish community regarding potential external control over their vital port facilities.
In a counter to these assertions, Port Fourchon Executive Director Chett Chiasson took to the stage as “Admiral” at the Golden Meadow-Fourchon Tarpon Rodeo to clarify the ownership status of the port. Chiasson unequivocally stated that Port Fourchon is a facility exclusively belonging to Lafourche Parish and its residents. He emphasized that although New Orleans possesses a minor portion of land at the port, derived from the Wisner Trust Fund, it does not equate to ownership of the port itself.
Community members expressed relief upon hearing Chiasson’s clarifications, with many fearing that Moreno’s comments could lead to unwelcome changes or a takeover of their local port. The executive director reassured the community that the infrastructure development and investments at Port Fourchon are deeply rooted in the local area, reflecting the interests of local stakeholders.
During his address, Chiasson also shared an optimistic outlook for the port’s future. Upcoming projects at Port Fourchon include significant advancements on Fourchon Island and the establishment of an LNG Plant, which entails a colossal $20 billion investment. These developments are expected to enhance the port’s capabilities while supporting both economic growth and environmental considerations.
Looking ahead to the year 2025, Chiasson outlined that substantial improvements are anticipated at Port Fourchon. The port aims to better serve local needs while contributing to the overall economic landscape of the region. The Golden Meadow-Fourchon Tarpon Rodeo served as an ideal platform for Chiasson to articulate the importance of community control over the port and affirm support for local governance.
Chiasson’s remarks reinforced a strong commitment to the welfare of Lafourche Parish, addressing any uncertainties stemming from the mayoral candidate’s statements. His outreach efforts highlight the critical role that local leadership and investment play in shaping the future of Port Fourchon and ensuring its operations remain firmly under the guidance of the parish community.
The dispute over ownership reflects broader conversations about local control and governance, particularly in areas as significant as Port Fourchon, which plays a key role in regional energy and economic development. Chiasson’s reaffirmation of local ownership seeks to quell fears and build trust within the community as they look forward to ongoing and new projects that promise to benefit the area.
In conclusion, Chiasson’s intervention has helped clarify misconceptions regarding Port Fourchon’s ownership, underscoring the importance of local regulation and stewardship in fostering sustainable economic growth within Lafourche Parish.
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Additional Resources
- LaFourche Gazette: Top 10 Lafourche Parish News Stories of 2024
- Google Search: Lafourche Parish
- WDSU: Louisiana State Police Investigating Two Separate Deadly Crashes in Lafourche Parish
- Wikipedia: Louisiana State Police
- Houma Today: Hurricane Francine Winds Begin Making Landfall on Louisiana Coast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
- WGNO: Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Terrebonne/Lafourche
- Google News: Severe Thunderstorm Warning Terrebonne Lafourche
- WGNO: Storm Shelters to Open Across Southeast Louisiana Due to Tropical Storm Francine
- Google Scholar: Tropical Storm Francine
- WWLTV: Severe Weather Impacts Parish by Parish
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
