The Port of New Orleans has received $7.12 million to reduce truck congestion and emissions at port terminals, including Ports America Louisiana and New Orleans Terminal, LLC, through sustainable transportation and infrastructure.
The Federal Highway Administration’s Reducing Truck Emissions at Port Facilities (RTEPF) Grant programme awarded the grant, which is funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The funding will also provide $200,000 in sub-awards for Port NOLA’s partners at Nunez Community College and the Urban League of Louisiana for workforce development and educational opportunities for future technicians to work on the upcoming technologies.
Seven electric terminal tractors and associated charging infrastructure will be installed at both Port NOLA terminal operators, Ports America Louisiana, and New Orleans Terminal, LLC.
Port NOLA, with the help of its workforce development and education partners, said it will also use the federal funding to create pathways for the thousands of jobs the port’s new Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) will create.
According to the port, the LIT project is expected to have a significant impact on the economy of Louisiana and St. Bernard Parish. The project is projected to create 32,000 new jobs across the country, with 18,000 in Louisiana and 4,300 in St. Bernard Parish. Additionally, the project is expected to generate over $1 billion in new state and local tax revenue by 2050.
The Nunez Community College in St. Bernard Parish will receive $100,000 in federal grant funding to support port environmental efforts. The Urban League of Louisiana will also get $100,000 to promote careers in maritime, logistics, and construction, including apprenticeships.
Furthermore, $145,115 of federal funding, matched with $30,000 from BP Pulse, will go towards data management software. BP Pulse will provide Omega Charge Management Software for Port NOLA and terminal operators to enhance electric vehicle efficiency.
Entergy New Orleans will offer in-kind services and employee support for charging station installation, with up to $100,000 allocated for utility upgrades.
“Continually upgrading our ports is essential to attract new businesses and keep and create jobs,” said Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA).
“This money improves infrastructure and workforce development. This is how to make the Port of New Orleans even more competitive.”
READ: Port NOLA sets record for container-on-barge moves
“This funding for the Port of New Orleans is a significant investment that will drive substantial reductions in truck emissions, benefiting the environment and public health,” said Representative Troy Carter, Sr. (D-LA).
“It showcases a bold approach to modernising port facilities, aligning with the goals of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to promote sustainability and innovation in transportation infrastructure.
“By upgrading electrical infrastructure and incorporating all-electric trucks, the Port of New Orleans sets an example for ports nationwide while also fostering workforce development through strategic partnerships with educational institutions.”
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“We would like to thank the Biden Administration and our federal delegation for helping the Port of New Orleans honor its commitment to sustainability, environmental justice, equity, and reducing our environmental footprint,” said Port NOLA President & CEO Brandy D. Christian.
“We remain focused on prioritising the utilisation of green technologies and infrastructure, sustainable transportation, and helping underserved communities through workforce development initiatives.
“This funding helps us continue this transformative journey that is aligned with a broader global movement to slow climate change.”
Earlier this month, the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) announced a new 10-year lease arrangement with The Kearney Companies, a subsidiary of Precision Terminal Logistics (PTL).
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