Port Construction And Development Priority Program

Contact Person: Randall D. Withers, (225) 379-3065

Purpose / Description:

The Port Construction and Development Priority Program was created by the Legislature in 1989. The purpose of this priority program is to allocate state funds to port projects that have the highest prospects of success as determined by objective standards such as technical and financial feasibility and overall impacts. The program specifically emphasizes the need to equitably distribute state funds and to avoid duplication of port infrastructure. A rigorous analysis of forecasted project benefits is undertaken in order to ensure that project impacts are positive and beneficial to the State.

In order to be eligible for funding, a port authority must submit an application for consideration. These applications are reviewed, evaluated and prioritized. As allowed by statute, DOTD contracts with the National Ports and Waterways Institute for assistance with the economic evaluation of these projects. The program requires a cost participation from the ports of 10% based on construction cost of the project.