NEW ORLEANS – In a significant move aimed at propelling the St. Bernard Parish’s infrastructure forward, the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) Board of Commissioners has greenlit key resolutions to fast-track the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor. This vital roadway, a longstanding necessity for the parish, is set to link the upcoming $1.8 billion Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) with the interstate system, fulfilling a demand voiced by local leaders and residents over the years.
The first resolution passed unanimously reinforces the Board’s unwavering commitment to realizing the corridor project. Envisioned as an elevated roadway, it will seamlessly connect the future LIT in Violet with Interstate 510, shaping a pivotal new artery for St. Bernard Parish.
Additionally, the Board has authorized Port NOLA’s President and CEO, Brandy Christian, to engage the services of global consulting firm WSP USA, Inc. The firm is tasked with providing consulting services for the development of a public-private partnership strategy for the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor. This comprehensive strategy will include an analysis of potential financing structures, delivery methods, project governance, and stakeholder engagement.
Brandy Christian expressed the Port’s ongoing dedication to the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, emphasizing its parallel progress with the construction of the Louisiana International Terminal. She highlighted the terminal’s role as a catalyst for the critical roadway, essential for the future growth of St. Bernard Parish.
Louisiana has already allocated nearly $30 million for the early development costs of the LIT project, currently navigating the federal permitting and design phase. Furthermore, the State has committed $50 million for designing the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor. In a notable move in June, the Regional Planning Commission assigned GIS Engineering, LLC to study the corridor and other necessary roadway enhancements to support LIT in Violet.
Max Nasser, Senior Vice President of WSP USA, Inc., expressed excitement about contributing to this strategic effort, recognizing the vital role of the corridor in the transportation network and economic development. WSP’s extensive experience in successfully delivering critical projects internationally positions them as valuable partners in this endeavor.
In the last month, Port NOLA secured $73.77 million from the federal government, supplementing significant funding commitments from private industry partners and the Port itself. The project enjoys support from over a dozen ports across six states and major trade and agriculture associations in America’s heartland.
The Louisiana International Terminal represents a historic public-private partnership between Port NOLA and private terminal operators Ports America and Mediterranean Shipping Company through Terminal Investment Limited (TiL). These operators have committed $800 million to the project, which is expected to generate 32,000 new jobs nationwide by 2050, with substantial economic benefits for Louisiana and St. Bernard Parish.
