The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) Board of Commissioners has taken significant steps to proceed with the expedition of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, a crucial roadway for St. Bernard Parish.
This corridor will establish a vital link between the new US$1.8 billion Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) and the interstate system, fulfilling a longstanding need expressed by the St. Bernard Parish community.
“The Port of New Orleans continues to prioritize development of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor as a parallel project with the construction of the Louisiana International Terminal,” stated Brandy Christian, president of Port NOLA.
In a unanimous decision, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the corridor project. The envisioned development comprises an elevated roadway that will seamlessly connect the future LIT in Violet to Interstate 510, creating a pivotal transportation artery for St. Bernard Parish.
Furthermore, the Board approved Port NOLA’s president and CEO, Brandy Christian, to engage in a contract with the global consulting company WSP USA, Inc. aiming to leverage WSP’s expertise in providing consulting services for the development of a strategic public-private partnership for the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor. WSP will conduct a thorough analysis, delving into potential financing structures, delivery methods, project governance, and stakeholder engagement to ensure the project’s success.
Louisiana legislators have allocated nearly US$30 million to cover initial development expenses for the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) project, currently navigating the federal permitting and design phases. The state has further committed US$50 million for the design of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor. In June, the Regional Planning Commission awarded a contract to GIS Engineering, LLC, tasked with studying the corridor and other road enhancements crucial for supporting LIT in Violet.
Additionally, recent developments include Port NOLA securing US$73.77 million from the federal government, complemented by substantial funding pledges from private industry partners and Port NOLA itself. This significant initiative has garnered backing from over a dozen ports across six states and prominent trade and agriculture associations in America’s heartland.
The realization of LIT is made possible through an unprecedented public-private partnership between Port NOLA and two private terminal operators: Ports America, a major North American marine terminal operator and MSC through its terminal development and investment arm Terminal Investment Limited (TiL). Together, these partners have committed an impressive US$800 million to the project.
