September 1, 2010 4:00 p.m. update

Welcome to your link to Port Fourchon news! Information is updated when there is breaking news that affects Port Fourchon business.

Recently Updated Information:

COTE BLANCHE BRIDGE: The Côte Blanche Pontoon Bridge in Cut Off will operate from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily, with the bridge remaining open overnight for boat traffic only from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am.


PORT FOURCHON’S RESPONSE TO OIL SPILL IMPACT: The Greater Lafourche Port Commission is actively working with the Lafourche Parish Government (LPG), Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), United States Coast Guard (USCG), British Petroleum (BP), Louisiana National Guard, and others monitoring the movement of the oil in the Gulf of Mexico.

Fourchon Beach is closed to all pedestrians and vehicles until further notice.

Vessels must use a slow bell through Belle Pass for the safety of workers and vessels.

For the latest updates on Port Fourchon, call the Public Information Line at 1-866-600-7803 or visit the port’s website. Both are updated regularly.

Below are phone numbers and websites for parties interested in the Gulf oil spill response effort.


GENERAL INFORMATION:
-Restore the Gulf Website: www.restorethegulf.gov
-Lafourche Parish Website: www.lafourchegov.org


MEDIA INQUIRIES:
-Contact the Oil Spill Joint Information Center in New Orleans, LA: 713-323-1670 or 713-323-1671


REPORTING OIL/DECONTAMINATION:
-To report oiled shoreline: 866-448-5816
-To report oiled wildlife: 866-557-1401
-For decontamination of oiled vessels, call Rodney with O'Brien Group: 337-761-8652 or 337-761-8653
-For decontamination at sea, call the Decontamination Dispatcher at 985-493-3343, email at mc252decon@gmail.com, or hail dispatchers via VHF Channel 16.


IDEAS ON HOW TO CLEAN UP THE OIL SPILL:
-To submit alternative response technology/services/products to BP: 281-366-5511
-To get information on the suggestion process or to submit your ideas online: www.restorethegulf.gov/suggest_ideas


JOBS/WORK/ASSISTANCE:
-To submit your vessel as a vessel of opportunity for skimming: 866-279-7983
-If you have already submitted your vessel and want an update on its status: 985-493-7840
-To talk to someone with BP, call the BP Community Outreach Program at 281-832-4869, or visit their office at the Larose Civic Center (307 East 5th Street, Larose, LA) open Monday-Saturday 8am to 6pm, Sunday 12-4pm.
-For assistance for local residents affected by the oil spill, call the Catholic Charities Oil Spill Hotline: 985-696-1934 or 985-696-1943.
-For job seekers, contact the Louisiana Workforce Development Commission: www.laworks.net
-For SBA small business loan customer service: 800-659-2955
-To apply online for a small business loan: www.sba.gov
-Local SBA Business Recovery Office: 16241 East Main Street in Cut Off (South Lafourche Library) open weekdays from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM.


VOLUNTEERING:
-To request volunteer information: 866-448-5816
-To register as a volunteer online: www.lagulfresponse.org
-To volunteer locally, call Catholic Charities: 985-876-0490


CLAIMING DAMAGES/LOST WAGES:
-To submit a claim for damages/lost income: 800-916-4893
-To submit a claim online, visit: www.gulfcoastclaimsfacility.com
-To make a claim to the $100 million fund as a drill rig worker affected by the moratorium, contact the Baton Rouge Area Foundation: 866-577-8141
-Local Claims Office: 16263 East Main Street in Cut Off (old CVS building near the South Lafourche Library) open seven days a week from 8:00 AM until 7:00 PM.


REPORTING FRAUD/SCAMS:
Gulf Coast Disaster Fraud Hotline: Call 877-623-3423, or email disaster@leo.gov


FOR MEDICAL SUPPORT:
-Call the National Poison Control Center hotline: 800-222-1222


WATERWAY/FISHERIES CLOSURES:
-To check for closures in waterways from the Golden Meadow Floodgates south, call Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries at: 985-787-2163, extension 109
-For the latest on closures by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/oilspill/
-To get current fisheries closure coordinates, call NOAA at: 800-627-6622

Looking for more information?

Call the Port’s Public Information Line at 985-798-5335, or toll-free at 866-600-7803.


Click here for the South Lafourche Levee District website to get the latest information on the Larose and Golden Meadow floodgates.


Click here for the TWIC website to get information on the Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), or call TWIC toll-free at 866-347-8942.

LOCAL TWIC ENROLLMENT CENTER:
16913 Hwy. 3235
Cut Off, LA 70345
(near the Just 4 Him Hair Salon and Sonic on the back road)


LA 1 EXPRESSWAY TOLLS: Tolls to cross the LA 1 Expressway are now in effect.
*Visit www.geauxpass.com for information on the new elevated LA 1 toll road.
*Click here for GeauxPass Frequently Asked Questions.