The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) has received a $1 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to fund the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) Sustainability Management Plan (SMP). The funding will support sustainable infrastructure initiatives and workforce development in Violet and St. Bernard Parish, La.
The LIT project, located 17 miles downriver from the Crescent City Connection bridge, aims to eliminate air draft restrictions for vessels, accommodate larger container ships, and boost Louisiana's import and export capacity, Port NOLA said in a statement. The terminal is also expected to enhance container-on-barge and intermodal services.
The statement highlighted the SMP's goals, which included reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing water and energy use, promoting social equity, and improving public health and safety. The plan also emphasized habitat protection and long-term operational efficiency.
The $1 million EPA grant will be allocated as follows:
- $100,000 to the Lower 9th Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development for sustainability education.
- $100,000 to Nunez Community College for port-sector educational programs.
- $225,000 to the Urban League of Louisiana for workforce development.
- $100,000 for Envision programming.
- $352,341 for contractual support.
- $122,659 for Port NOLA administration and project events.
Port NOLA expects the terminal to generate economic benefits, including the creation of 32,000 new jobs nationwide by 2050, with more than 18,000 jobs in Louisiana and over 4,300 in St. Bernard Parish. Additionally, Port NOLA said the terminal is expected to generate over $1 billion in new state and local tax revenue.
Port NOLA has secured $230.5 million in state funding and $300 million in federal funding for the project. Additionally, two private terminal operators—Ports America and Terminal Investment Limited—have committed $800 million as part of a public-private partnership.
The terminal is currently in the federal permitting process, with construction anticipated to begin in 2025.
