Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.5 Million to Make Critical Infrastructure Improvements to the Port of South Louisiana

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.5 million grant to the Port of South Louisiana, Laplace, Louisiana, to make critical roadway infrastructure improvements to the Port’s Globalplex Intermodal Terminal, a maritime industrial park. The EDA grant, to be matched with $375,000 in local funds, is expected to create or retain 24 jobs.

“President Trump is working diligently every day to improve our country’s infrastructure so we can facilitate job creation and success,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “The Port of South Louisiana, one of our nation’s largest ports, will be able to expand its capacity to attract new tenants, increase exports, and drive business development as a result of these upgrades.”

“EDA is pleased to support local strategies focused on supporting business and job growth,” said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “We look forward to seeing how these improvements to the Port’s 335-acre Globalplex Intermodal Terminal will grow the region’s and Louisiana’s economy.”

“The Port of South Louisiana facilitates economic growth and vessel productivity on the Mississippi River,” said Senator Bill Cassidy. “This grant will improve cargo efficiency at the port, which will attract new businesses and allow goods and services to be distributed to Louisiana residents in a more cost-effective way.”

“The Port of South Louisiana and the jobs it creates bring economic opportunity to the whole country,” said Senator John Kennedy. “This additional investment is a win for Louisiana and everyone who benefits from maritime trade.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the South Central Planning & Development Commission, which EDA funds to help bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.