Louisiana International Terminal Online Open House

I'm a resident near the future terminal

I live in St. Bernard Parish

I'm looking for a job or opportunity for my business

I'm curious about environmental impacts

I want to learn more about the economic benefits

The Louisiana International Terminal is honored to join the Violet Community. We are committed to being a considerate neighbor and a good steward of the environment for our community and our future staff. We understand this will be a big change for Violet. Let's work together to create a project that creates opportunities for generations to come. The Louisiana International Terminal is about more than meeting future market demands. It's about creating opportunities for St. Bernard Parish. The Port of New Orleans aims to open doors for local workforce and businesses, while also helping to bring much-needed infrastructure to the area. The Louisiana International Terminal isn't just about moving goods. It's about unlocking new opportunities. By providing a premier container shipping gateway along the Gulf Coast, this project is laying the groundwork for growth and development throughout our region and state. The Louisiana International Terminal will provide benefits that St. Bernard Parish can enjoy for generations to come. Environmental sustainability is a priority for the Port of New Orleans and the Louisiana International Terminal project. Port NOLA is conducting a detailed impact analysis for the proposed terminal, which is required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). We aim to minimize potential impacts and employ sustainability practices to preserve local quality of life. To meet the industry's growing needs, the Port of New Orleans is investing in a new container terminal project—The Louisiana International Terminal. The proposed terminal will serve vessels of all sizes, providing goods to support Louisiana's homes and businesses. This modern maritime gateway will also create family-supporting jobs, generate new opportunities throughout the state, and keep Louisiana competitive.

Why Build a Terminal?

Louisiana's economy relies heavily on maritime trade. A new terminal will enable Port NOLA to serve the larger ships that are coming into service and stay competitive.

Industry Trends

The international container business is booming. The number of shipping containers moving in and out of the U.S. has increased significantly over the last ten years. A new terminal is needed to meet the market demands.

The Louisiana International Terminal will open trade to larger ships that are becoming more common.

Increase in U.S. Import Container Volumes (in Millions)

Year	Increase in U.S. Import Container Volumes (in Millions)
2010	10.8
2011	11.0
2012	11.4
2013	11.7
2014	12.3
2015	12.7
2016	13.2
2017	13.9
2018	14.9
2019	14.7
2020	14.9
2021	16.8
2022	16.7
2023	14.6

Consumer spending habits changed going into 2021 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. An economic stimulus package and low interest rates increased demand. In 2023, demand and container volumes returned to normal.

The Port of New Orleans has a current ship size of 6400 to 9400 containers due to the Crescent City Connection Bridge, forcing larger ships to use other ports and taking jobs, trade and tax revenue with them.

Minimizing Impacts

Federal Permitting Process

Port NOLA is committed to working with our neighbors to create a project that preserves the local quality of life.

The Louisiana International Terminal is currently undergoing an environmental review process, as required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), before permits can be issued and construction can begin.

Port NOLA's third-party partner GEC is still conducting impact analyses to understand potential impacts. Once the analyses are complete, we will submit the results to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for review.

Topics Being Studied

The terminal layout includes more space between neighborhoods and the terminal.

We are conducting detailed studies to understand potential:

Noise impacts
Light impacts
Traffic impacts

Based on the results, we will incorporate project features to lessen potential impacts. This could include landscaping, sound walls, etc.

We are conducting detailed air quality studies to understand potential impacts.

The studies look beyond the boundaries of the terminal
We are considering existing refineries and other potential future developments in the area to understand the collective impacts of the terminal and these other refineries and developments

We, along with our private partners, are making major investments in green technologies to limit emissions. This includes:

Shore power
Electric vehicles and equipment
Container-on-barge services
CleanTRIP engine replacement

Traffic studies are analyzing current and future traffic trends.

The terminal layout includes:

An overpass to avoid a rail crossing
St. Bernard Hwy remaining near the levee
We are supporting the design and construction of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor

We are working with the Regional Planning Commission and the Department of Transportation and Development to conduct further traffic studies.

We completed a Phase I cultural resources study.

No significant archaeological resources, historical, or cultural resources were found at the proposed site
No tribal objections have been submitted to the U.S. Army Corps

We are conducting additional cultural resource studies.

The terminal layout keeps the St. Bernard Highway near its current route.

We are funding the relocation of the Violet Playground within Violet.

The terminal layout includes space for a bike and pedestrian path if the parish would like to develop one in the future.

We are coordinating with the parish on the Master Bikeway Plan

We are studying potential impacts on recreational and tourist activities.

We are conducting site studies to understand:

Underground soil conditions
Levee and riverbank stability near the proposed terminal
Placement of water, electric, gas, etc., utility lines
Existing groundwater levels
Placement of pipelines or other infrastructure in the area

We are completing biological assessments to understand potential impacts on threatened and endangered species and their habitats.

We are developing a stormwater management plan and conducting drainage and flood hazard analyses. The new terminal layout includes a new drainage canal and pump station on the 40-Arpent Canal. The new drainage system will not burden the existing Violet drainage system.

We are analyzing potential impacts on wetlands and will develop a mitigation plan in accordance with federal regulations.

Port NOLA will fully mitigate all impacts to wetlands within the watershed, as required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in accordance with federal regulations.

We studied other potential locations, and Violet is the best fit because of:

Naturally deep water at the dock
Access to four interstates
Six Class-I rail connections
100-year level hurricane protection
Excellent waterside navigation
No height restrictions for ships, such as bridges

We're working to minimize potential impacts:

Terminal layout keeping St. Bernard Highway near the levee
Neighborhood buffers
Working with school district to fund the construction of a new school within Violet
Detailed plans for site drainage
Working with agencies to deliver St. Bernard Transportation Corridor

An initial navigation study has already been completed. Violet was selected for its deep water and other characteristics that make it safe for large ships to navigate.

We will further analyze the potential impacts of terminal operations on Mississippi River navigation.

We are grateful for the feedback we've received so far through:

Two public notice periods
Two series of open houses
Visits to our Community Connection Office in Violet
Violet and St. Bernard Community Advisory Committees
Community meetings and events

We will continue collaborating with you through:

This open house series and other events
Our Community Connection Office
Our website
Ongoing meetings with the Violet and St. Bernard Community Advisory Committees
Ongoing meetings with community members and business owners within Violet and St. Bernard Parish

Traffic Relief

The Regional Planning Commission (RPC) and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) are conducting a "Stage 0" Feasibility Study to:

Identify ways to reduce or mitigate potential impacts of growth on St. Bernard's roadway network
Conduct preliminary environmental reviews
Develop preliminary scope estimate for each infrastructure improvement concept
Identify funding sources

The RPC is reviewing impacts from natural population growth in St. Bernard Parish as well as from the Louisiana International Terminal. The project can help push through much-needed improvements in the area.

Share Your Thoughts!

Learn more about the RPC's traffic study by:

St. Bernard Transportation Corridor

Port NOLA is a dedicated advocate for the development of the St. Bernard Transportation Corridor, which is envisioned to be a third roadway connecting St. Bernard Parish to the interstate system.

Port NOLA hired WSP USA, Inc. to help deliver the new transportation corridor by developing a public-private partnership strategy. WSP will identify potential options project delivery, funding, management, and maintenance.

Why We Chose Violet

Port NOLA assessed several potential terminal sites. We conducted extensive research and stakeholder engagement with the maritime and shipping community. This included pilots and engineering consultants. Violet proved to be the best location for a modern container ship terminal on the lower Mississippi River because of its:

Federal flood protection Being within the Hurricane & Storm Damage Risk Reduction System allows us to have resilient facilities for decades to come.
Existing road and rail connections Violet has access to a network of interstates, rail, and inland waterways.
Naturally deep water The Mississippi River in Violet is naturally deep, meaning the terminal will be able to handle larger ships with limited dredging required.
Space for larger ships Navigation studies done by Mississippi River Pilots have shown the Violet terminal site will be able to handle container ships of all sizes.
Safe river currents When looking at potential sites for a second container terminal, the navigation study done by the Pilots showed that the Violet Dock Port site offers safe river currents for safe and easy berthing for ships.

Terminal Layout

Below is the most recent terminal layout. The Louisiana International Terminal will be constructed in phases. View the phases below by selecting the side arrows or swiping.

Full Build Out

Phase 1A

Phase 1B

Phase 2

Buffer Zones

A buffer zone is an area around the terminal designated to separate the community from the terminal's operations. Port NOLA is developing buffer zones into the terminal layout. As we determine the kind of buffer to put around the terminal in Violet, we're considering ways to limit potential impacts like light and noise.

Considerations When Creating a Buffer

Sight
Light
Sound

Types of Buffers Port NOLA is Considering

Distance Alone
Planted Trees
Earthen Berm
A Wall
Fencing / Screening

W. Smith Elementary School

Port NOLA owns the property around W. Smith Jr. Elementary School, and the school is located inside the proposed terminal footprint. Port NOLA owns most of the undeveloped land in Violet and has identified two potential locations for the new W. Smith Jr. Elementary School.

? Use the slider to see the differences between Site A and Site B.

Merrick Cemetery

The Merrick Cemetery will remain in its current location, and the public will still have safe and easy access. Port NOLA will also reserve land for a future cemetery expansion. The terminal layout includes a buffer zone to leave space between the terminal and the cemetery.

Violet Park

The existing Violet Park is located in the proposed terminal footprint. Port NOLA is committed to funding the construction of a new park location in Violet.

In the coming months, Port NOLA will mail a survey to Violet residents to help provide the St. Bernard Parish Recreation Department with feedback on what amenities Violet would like to see in a new park.

Our Economic Future

Positive economic impacts begin with construction, grow when the terminal opens, and continue to increase over time. The Louisiana International Terminal and the businesses that support it are projected to bring thousands of jobs and millions of tax dollars each year to St. Bernard Parish, the larger region, and the state.

Projected Annual Job Growth
in St. Bernard Parish

2,000+ new jobs estimated after 5 years
4,300+ new jobs estimated at full capacity

View Job Opportunities

Projected Annual Tax Revenue
in St. Bernard Parish

$27M in new tax revenue each year estimated after 5 years
$41.1M in new tax revenue each year estimated at full capacity

View Small Business Opportunities

Source: Lewis Terrell and Associates, Louisiana International Container Growth: The Economic Impact of the Louisiana International Terminal 2023 Q1 Update. February 2023

Without the Louisiana International Terminal

Louisiana stands to lose the following by 2033:

9,552 existing jobs lost
$205M in state taxes lost
$10.3B in industry sales lost

Tax Revenue

Property Tax

Terminal operators will own improvements and equipment on the terminal, which are taxable.
Private companies off property involved in trade related to the Louisiana International Terminal will also pay property taxes:
- Maritime services (like waterborne transport)
- Warehousing and transportation
- Value-added services (like packaging)
- Others who sell retail goods, real estate services, healthcare, dining, and more

Sales Tax

Direct sales and use taxes will apply to the private partners’ construction and equipment costs.
Sales taxes will also be collected on taxable goods and services both on and off the terminal.

Anticipated Job Opportunities

Direct Terminal Jobs

Indirect Terminal Jobs

Manufacturing
Rail, Water & Truck Transportation
Warehouse & Storage
Wholesale Trade
Restaurants
Retail
Healthcare