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July 3, 2014
Ports, terminals and railroads – along with air transportation – got what many business leaders say is a needed boost for the future, with the creation of a new state agency to assist them.
Ports and related facilities have all been under the direct aegis of Louisiana’s Department of Transportation and Development.
But state Sen. Norby Chabert, R-Houma, is among the officials who agree that while DOTD has done its best to accommodate the needs of ports and other elements of the “multi-modal” transportation structure, a sub-agency dedicated to their well-being would go a long way better toward helping them grow and prosper.
Gov. Bobby Jindal has signed Chabert’s bill, SB 573, into law.
Its result, Act No. 719 of the 2014 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, establishes an Office of Multimodal Commerce and creates a Commissioner of Multimodal Commerce.
The new law keeps ports and other facilities under DOTD control. But the pending appointment of a commissioner whose sole responsibility is ports and related matters means future development projects will jump through fewer bureaucratic hoops, supporters say.
Chabert said his legislation represents a major policy change in the administration, planning and other functions within DOTD relative to ports and harbors, maritime and water transportation systems, railroad expansion and development, commercial trucking, aviation, and intercity public mass transit.
“Louisiana’s multimodal transportation system impacts almost every element of our lives,” Chabert said. “The difference between commerce infrastructure and basic transportation needs must be better defined in order to support the state’s most valuable economic engines … DOTD’s main focus should be on building and maintaining roads to address the massive backlog of transportation projects in Louisiana.”
Port Fourchon Executive Director Chett Chiasson and Terrebonne Port Director Steve Rabalais have both praised the work DOTD has done in the past on behalf of ports and other services. But both touted the new structure as something they say will aid local industry.
“Finally, multimodal commerce is getting the attention it deserves,” Chaisson said. “We are very thankful for Sen. Chabert’s leadership in bringing forth this monumental legislation that will continue to move Louisiana positively forward.”
Offshore Marine Services Association Chief Executive Officer Ben Billings echoed those sentiments. “This legislation is great news for Louisiana’s maritime industry, which contributes over 50,000 jobs to the state’s economy. Reforming government to strengthen this critical sector of our economy, target infrastructure investments, and create a seamless transportation network is a smart move,” Billings said.
State Sen. Norby Chabert’s SB 573 is officially law. Now known as Act. No. 719, the measure establishes an Office of Multimodial Commerce to assist ports, such as Port Terrebonne and Port Fourchon as well as terminals and railroads.
