The Port of New Orleans has secured a significant grant of US$7,117,567 from the Federal Highway Administration’s Reducing Truck Emissions at Port Facilities (RTEPF) Grant program, which is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
This funding will be utilized by Port NOLA and its collaborators to bolster sustainable transportation and infrastructure initiatives aimed at mitigating truck congestion and emissions across Port terminals, including Ports America Louisiana and New Orleans Terminal, LLC.
“Continually upgrading our ports is essential to attract new businesses and keep and create jobs. This money improves infrastructure and workforce development. This is how to make the Port of New Orleans even more competitive,” stated United States Senator Bill Cassidy.
Moreover, a portion of the grant, totalling US$200,000, will be allocated as sub-awards to support the workforce development and educational endeavours of Port NOLA’s partners at Nunez Community College and the Urban League of Louisiana, facilitating opportunities for prospective technicians to engage with emerging technologies.
“By upgrading electrical infrastructure and incorporating all-electric trucks, the Port of New Orleans sets an example for ports nationwide while also fostering workforce development through strategic partnerships with educational institutions,” noted New Orleans Representative Troy Carter, Sr. (D-LA).
Both Ports America Louisiana and New Orleans Terminal, LLC, will see the installation of seven electric terminal tractors and the necessary charging infrastructure.
Furthermore, Port NOLA, in collaboration with its workforce development and education partners, will utilize the grant to establish pathways for the numerous employment opportunities that will arise from the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT).
Anticipated to yield 32,000 new jobs nationwide, including 18,000 in Louisiana and 4,300 in St. Bernard Parish, LIT is poised to be an economic cornerstone for generations to come, generating over US$1 billion in new state and local tax revenue by 2050.
As a component of the federal grant allocation, Nunez Community College in St. Bernard Parish will receive US$100,000 to bolster the Port’s endeavours in environmental justice and sustainability.
“We look forward to working with Port NOLA and our other partners to establish pathways related to maritime and logistics careers, deliver technical skills instruction to support new port-related technologies, and support the fulfilment of apprenticeship opportunities,” commented Tina Tinney, Ed.D., Nunez Community College Chancellor.
A sum of US$100,000 will be allocated to the Urban League of Louisiana to enhance awareness and advocacy for careers in maritime, logistics, and construction. Additionally, this funding will support the implementation of apprenticeship programs tailored to career seekers in St. Bernard Parish and neighbouring communities, aiming to expand access to lucrative employment opportunities within underserved communities.
“The Urban League of Louisiana is grateful to Congressman Carter for continuing to be a champion of our work to strengthen the workforce and prepare marginalized communities to take advantage of careers that provide pathways to generational wealth,” expressed Judy Reese Morse, president and CEO of Urban League of Louisiana.
A total of US$145,115 from the federal funding, supplemented by a US$30,000 contribution from BP Pulse, will be allocated for the installation of data management and analytics software, as well as project management. Port NOLA and its terminal operators will benefit from BP Pulse’s Omega Charge Management Software (Omega CMS), facilitating the monitoring and optimization of electric vehicles, equipment, and charging stations to enhance operational efficiency.
Furthermore, Entergy New Orleans will offer in-kind services and employee assistance for the installation of charging stations and associated infrastructure as part of this initiative. Up to US$100,000 from the federal funding will be earmarked for upgrades to utility infrastructure.
