Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards is seeking to reassure the shipping industry that a massive container terminal planned by the Port of New Orleans still has state support, after House leaders cut almost $4M in funding to the project in an apparent act of retribution against Rep. Ray Garofalo (R-Chalmette), whose district includes the site.
The governor has repeatedly voiced support for the project and said the state “remains fully committed to this project.” He also touted a commitment of $50M - most of which will need to be allocated in future years - for transportation projects in St. Bernard Parish to support the project.
The future spending was spared by House, but representative decided to punish Rep. Garofalo for voting against raising the state’s spending limit.
The Regional Planning Commission has already awarded a contract to study the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor to support the terminal.
Investments in economic infrastructure projects must be prioritized over "ideological and political differences," Edwards said in a statement.
Regional economic development/maritime leaders worry the last-minute cuts in near-term funds for the terminal will send a bad message to the international shipping industry.
Edwards’ statement was designed to alleviate those concerns. (The Advocate 06/14/23) Gov. Edwards: State support for container port remains firm | Business | theadvocate.com
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