SULPHUR, La, Feb. 20, 2009 – The West Calcasieu Port has submitted three infrastructure
improvement projects for consideration in the FY2010 Appropriations Act.
The three projects included in the WCP’s request are the expansion of the port’s existing west
barge basin, the construction of shoreline bulkheading and the installation of perimeter security
fencing.
“This week, our port director, Lynn Hohensee, forwarded packets of information on each project
to Sen. David Vitter and Sen. Mary Landrieu,” said Larry Mashburn, president of the WCP board
of commissioners.
The packets were supported with letters of recommendation from State Rep. Mike Danahay
(Sulphur) and Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Hal McMillin.
Mashburn noted that the WCP’s largest tenant, Devall Towing, currently operates one of the
largest barge fleeting facilities along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and that demand for
additional barge docking space is growing as a result of damages by Hurricane Ike in Texas and
industrial expansion in Southwest Louisiana.
At an estimated cost of $4 million, the project would add an additional 1,300 feet of new basin
capacity – enough space for 30 additional barges.
“The barge basin expansion project would compliment our current efforts to initiate maintenance
dredging on the existing basin,” Mashburn said. “We expect to solicit bids for the maintenance
dredging within a few weeks.”
He also noted that additional bulkheading is needed at the port that would necessitate the
installation of 1,200 linear feet of bulkhead and about 80,000 cubic yards of dredging at an
estimated cost of $6.25 million.
The third WCP request for funding seeks $500,000 for the installation of perimeter security
fencing and gate equipment.
“Growing the port and developing the economy of Southwest Louisiana is very important to our
board of commissioners,” Mashburn said, “and the support of federal funds provided through the
FY2010 Appropriations Act, will play a strong role in helping the port expand our region’s
economy.”
Located 12 miles south of Interstate 10 on Highway 27, the WCP offers 2,500 feet of waterfront
property on the GIWW.
Current tenant activity includes barge operations, maritime fueling service, dry cargo barge
cleaning, diesel repair, heavy-equipment contracting and maritime supply operations.
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