The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in coordination with the non-Federal sponsor – the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA), announced the completion of deepening the access channel adjacent to Port NOLA facilities today. This project was provided $5.82M for construction in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The primary purpose of the project is to deepen the Port of New Orleans Access Channel to -50 feet to accommodate deep draft traffic.
The study area is the access channel in front of the Port’s container facility on the Mississippi River between RM 98.3L to RM 100.6L.
According to USACE, this reach of the Mississippi River is adjacent to the Uptown neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana.
Col. Cullen Jones, New Orleans District Commander said: “USACE is excited for the opportunity to partner with the Port of New Orleans to advance this critical navigation effort to deepen the Port NOLA Access Channel to a depth of 50’.”
“The Port of New Orleans provides both a regional and national value to the nation. With the Port of New Orleans being one of the busiest in the U.S., this project will play a key role in meeting future needs.”
The Port of New Orleans being the only international container terminal in Louisiana and moving key commodities of poultry, coffee, natural rubber and steel plays a key role in meeting future needs for the Mississippi River. Therefore, deepening the Port Access Channel is expected to provide national economic benefits, concluded USACE.