Infrastructure Investments: Canada, New Orleans

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In a speech to the Association of Port Canadian Port Authorities, Federal Transport Minister Lisa Raitt announced changes that will allow all Canada port authorities to enter into long-term lease agreements and use the lands they manage to generate increased revenues to support future port plans. The board of commissioners of the Port of New Orleans has awarded a $13.3 million contract for the construction of the Mississippi River Intermodal Terminal improvement project.

Canada Transport Minister Raitt Encourages Marine Transportation Industry to Act on Opportunities to Increase Competitiveness 

In a speech to the Association of Canadian Port Authorities, Federal Transport Minister Lisa Raitt announced changes that will allow all Canada port authorities to enter into long-term lease agreements and use the lands they manage to generate increased revenues to support future port plans. This change is part of a commitment to ensure all CPAs have consistent lease terms.

Her remarks were delivered during the association’s 56th annual conference, hosted by the Belledune Port Authority in Bathurst, New Brunswick.

Minister Raitt, a former president and CEO of the Toronto Port Authority, further noted recent government efforts supporting port development, sustainability and efficiency – infrastructure investments under Canada’s Gateways or Canada’s $53billion New Building Canada Plan, amendments to the Marine Transportation Security Regulations to bring greater clarity and consistency for marine operators, the introduction of Canada’s Tanker Safety System to ensure Canada can transport goods in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, and the on-going independent review of the Canada Transportation Act, which will look at ways to improve port governance and service delivery models.

Click here for the text of the minister’s speech.

New Orleans Dock Board Awards Miss. River Intermodal Terminal Construction Contract

The board of commissioners of the Port of New Orleans awarded a $13.3 million contract for the construction of the Mississippi River Intermodal Terminal improvement project during its monthly meeting on August 20.

The objective of the 12-acre project is a modern and efficient intermodal container transfer terminal to facilitate the movement of marine and rail cargo, while enhancing safety and reducing the carbon footprint of the regional and national transportation system.

The project entails constructing a rail yard with 10,000 linear feet of track and five-acres of heavy-duty paving as well as electrical, drainage and utility work and the installation of water feeds to additional hydrants.

Existing rail lines will be removed upon completion of the new tracks so intermodal service at the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal will not be interrupted.

The total estimated cost of $21.013 million includes equipment purchases amounting to $3.5 million as well as engineering and project management services. Completion is expected in February 2016.

Financing includes from a $16.7 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant the port received in 2012 from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The port and the Louisiana Port Construction and Development Priority Program matched a portion of the federal grant to build an adjacent four-acre container marshalling yard at the upriver end of the Louisiana Avenue Terminal. The $4.1 million project was completed earlier this year. Combined, the $25.1 million investment is expected to create 100 permanent marine and cargo handling jobs.