Port of South Louisiana, a Premier Sea Gateway for U.S. Export and Import traffic”

Paul Matthews, Executive Director 

Headquartered in Reserve, Louisiana, the Port of South Louisiana, is one of the largest tonnage ports in the Western Hemisphere, and services the River Parishes of St. John the Baptist, St. Charles and St. James. In addition, the Port of South Louisiana is one of two seaports with an airport. Plans are in place to extend the airport’s runway by 1500 feet to allow for cargo delivery and movement with all modes of travel available i.e., rail, trucking, etc.

Matthews, the first African American to take on the Port’s helm, educated GNOEA members and guests on the Port’s current infrastructure and future plans to grow the port. His vision? Foster economic development that will result in creating more jobs and growth for the communities surrounding it. With sixty percent of the nation’s grain coming from the Port of South Louisiana, Matthews announced that for the first time in forty years, a new grain terminal is being built. He predicts that as European trade routes change, the Port of South Louisiana will be positioned to ship grain to parts of the world that will no longer be served by European countries. Deepening the river to fifty feet will also result in utilizing one-two larger vessels instead of multiple vessels.

Matthews is also pursuing federal and state funds to add an interstate exit to connect to the Port of South Louisiana Airport and for truckers to access the Port’s Global Plex facility. Additionally, there is proposal in St. Charles Parish to fund a proposed I-310 flyover ramp aimed at easing traffic congestion on U.S. Highway 90 “that would increase truck efficiency in and out of our port.”

View the presentation in archives.

More about our guest speaker – Paul Matthews

Membership

If you have a prospect, please have them connect with Jacquie Bonano (interim membership chairman) at membership@gnoea.com

Thank You & Announcements

George Messina, Messina’s Inc.,  introduced guest and membership applicant, David Raymond, Jr.  Operations Manager of Clean Fleet Auto Body. This was David’s first meeting.

Todd Clower, Harbor Towing and Fleeting, introduced guest Michael Nation, Operations and Safety manager for Harbor Towing & Fleeting.

Upcoming Meeting Schedule (all events at Rooftop on Basin)

  • April 12th – Joe Giarusso, New Orleans City Council District A
  • April 19th – No Meeting
  • April 26th – No Meeting
  • May 3rd – TBA
  • May 10th – Kevin Dolliole, Director of Aviation- Armstrong Airport

Check website for updates and bulletins that include upcoming events. Meeting events are on the calendar.