SULPHUR, La, August 18, 2009 – The third and final phase of the maintenance dredging
project at the West Calcasieu Port’s west barge basin is underway.
“The $2.31 million maintenance dredging project should be completed during the last half of
September, weeks ahead of schedule,” said Lynn Hohensee, WCP director. “The first two
phases focused on preparing the spoils reception area and the installation of concrete
revetment along the west barge basin shoreline.
“The Mike Hooks, Inc. dredge barge – named the ‘Mike Hooks’ – moved on site last week, and
dredging operations began over the weekend,” he continued. State and federal monies are
covering the larger portion of the expenses associated with this project which is essential to
returning the West Cal Port’s west barge basin to its original 12-foot depth. The port also
received critical financial support from the City of Sulphur and Calcasieu Parish. “The Mike
Hooks team is working around the clock to move approximately 180,000 cubic yards of spoil
material to a 40-acre spoils-reception site a short distance to the northwest on the port property
that has been approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,” Hohensee said.
“Returning the basin to full operation capability is not only critical to our port’s barge services for
the towing industry along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, but it also plays a vital role to the
Southwest Louisiana maritime industry hurricane response planning,” he further explained.
“Because of the port’s strategic location on the GIWW two miles west of the Calcasieu River
Waterway, the port’s expansive west barge basin serves as a ‘safe haven’ of sorts for
shallow-water marine vessels and barges in the event that our corner of Louisiana is struck by
another hurricane.”
Hohensee also noted that the port’s largest tenant, Devall Towing, currently operates one of the
most expansive barge fleeting operations along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and that
demand for quality barge docking space is essential if the company is to meet growing demand
for shallow-water maritime transportation in Southwest Louisiana. Located 12 miles south of
Interstate 10 and just west of Highway 27, the WCP offers 2,500 feet of waterfront property on
the GIWW.
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