This funding will be allocated to the Grant Ouachita River & La. Hwy 165 Multimodal Connectivity and Safety Project in Caldwell Parish. This project will include the acquisition of land and the construction of a Truck Parking Facility at the Port of Columbia, Ouachita River and LA 165. This facility will include surface parking for approximately 50 commercial trucks, 100 cars, and 12 electric vehicle charging stations.
“Our ports are a critical part of our economic system in the state, and also provides support for some of the most critical freight movements in the country,” said Renee Lapeyrolerie, DOTD Commissioner of Multimodal Commerce. “Approximately 33% of freight that comes through Louisiana travels by water, and this grant will enhance our port program.”
“We would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the numerous individuals, companies, and agencies who played pivotal roles in the preparation of the grant application,” said Greg Richardson, Port Director, Columbia Port Commission. “Specifically, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the LaDOTD for their invaluable support, whose diverse subject matter expertise guided us throughout the application process. We would also like to express our appreciation for the unwavering support we received from our state and federally elected officials throughout this process. Their steadfast commitment and tireless advocacy played a pivotal role in enhancing the strengths of our application and securing this grant award.”
This project is anticipated to begin late 2023 and will be completed in early 2027, weather permitting.
