Lake Charles Harbor board authorizes application for Industrial Canal redevelopment funding

The Lake Charles Harbor & Terminal District voted May 20 to authorize the executive director to submit an application for the Industrial Canal Redevelopment Project to the Louisiana Port Construction and Development Priority Program.

Staff described the project as involving bulkhead installation and dredging and said recent cost estimates have been high, so the work would likely be done in phases. "This is essentially application for the Port Priority Program," Staff said, adding the application is merit-based and routed through the state.

The motion to approve submission 2024-021 was moved by Mister Johnson and seconded by Mary Jo. The board approved the motion by voice vote.

Why it matters: the grant program is a major state channel for port capital funding; staff said a successful application would help finance critical infrastructure for handling larger or additional cargoes at the Industrial Canal. Staff also said facility security planning for the Industrial Canal is being finalized with the Coast Guard, work that would support accommodating multiple new customers and commodities.

The board did not specify a project timetable beyond noting that, given high cost estimates, staff expect phasing of the work. Staff did not provide a firm dollar amount requested in the application during the discussion.

The board moved on to other items after the vote; the meeting later advanced to an executive session.