port-fourchon

Greater Lafourche Port Commission Acquires 743-Acre Tract from the State of Louisiana to Support Argent LNG Project Expansion

angellozt@portfourchon.com (Thad Angelloz) — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 16:00:05 GMT

Greater Lafourche Port Commission Acquires 743-Acre Tract from the State of Louisiana to Support Argent LNG Project Expansion

PORT FOURCHON, LA – At its monthly board meeting on July 9, the Greater Lafourche Port Commission announced it approved the payment and acquisition of a 743-acre tract from the State of Louisiana , paving the way for the expansion of Argent LNG’s landmark liquefied natural gas export development in Port Fourchon .

With the completion of this deal, Argent LNG has added the additional acres to its project, bringing the project’s total footprint to approximately 900 acres. The expanded site provides the scale and flexibility to optimize facility design, enhance logistics efficiency, and support future phases of growth as global LNG demand accelerates.

“This transaction represents a major milestone in our ongoing mission to grow Port Fourchon as the Gulf of America’s hub for energy innovation and logistics excellence,” GLPC Executive Director Chett Chiasson said. “By securing this tract, our Board of Commissioners has not only positioned Argent LNG for long-term success but created the foundation for decades of investment and job creation for Lafourche Parish and our region. Port Fourchon has always been the place where big energy ideas become reality, and this project is no exception.”

Argent LNG’s project, which is engineered to deliver up to 25 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of lower-carbon LNG, is designed around a modular execution model that accelerates construction timelines, reduces capital expenditures, and lowers operational costs. With the expanded lease area, Argent LNG will be able to maximize operational efficiency, integrate additional storage and process infrastructure, and build the flexibility to scale production capacity over time.

“Location is everything when it comes to developing LNG infrastructure that can compete on cost, schedule, and reliability,” said Jonathan Bass , Chief Executive Officer of Argent LNG. “Port Fourchon offers unmatched deepwater access, proximity to offshore and onshore energy services, and a community of stakeholders who understand how to execute at scale. Adding this acreage to our lease brings our project to approximately 900 acres and gives us the room to fully realize our vision of a world-class facility built faster and smarter—and to deliver reliable, lower-carbon energy to customers worldwide.”

The acquisition and lease expansion mark the latest step in a shared commitment between Argent LNG, the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, and the State of Louisiana to add and LNG export component to Fourchon’s economic engine that continues to support local employment and diversification of energy markets.

Development of the Argent LNG project will continue with permitting, engineering, and early site work ahead of a formal project launch to the global industry at Gastech 2025 in Milan, Italy.

For more information about Argent LNG or the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, please visit:

www.portfourchon.com
www.argentlng.co m

About the Greater Lafourche Port Commission
The Greater Lafourche Port Commission is the governing authority for Port Fourchon and South Lafourche Leonard Miller Jr. Airport. As America’s Energy Port, Port Fourchon services 100-percent of deepwater Gulf of America oil and gas activity and is a critical hub for domestic energy production, supply chain operations, and emergency response.

About Argent LNG
Argent LNG is an independent U.S.-based LNG developer dedicated to delivering cleaner, dependable, affordable energy to nations of shared values and emerging markets. Through modular innovation, operational agility, and a relentless focus on delivery, Argent LNG is committed to enabling global energy security while advancing the world’s decarbonization goals.

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Community Open House Set For May 17th

Thu, 08 May 2025 19:11:21 GMT

Cut Off, LA – The Greater Lafourche Port Commission and Port Fourchon are celebrating its 65th anniversary with an open house event on May 17 th at the GLPC Administrative Office, 16829 East Main Street.

This free event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and feature food, music, goodie bags (while supplies last) and a first-come, first-served opportunity to board buses for tours of the airport and port. Port Commission President John Melancon, Jr. said, “We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with everyone. This is a celebration for all those who support us and the amazing things that happen at the GLPC and Port Fourchon every day!”

While the previous two events focused on celebrating our tenants and users at both the airport and Port Fourchon , the grand finale will serve to salute the local community and those who support the GLPC and Port Fourchon in other ways.

“Covid caused tons of disruptions and heartache for many out there, and we certainly were no different,” GLPC Executive Director Chett Chiasson said. “Fortunately, we get to make good on our 65th anniversary this year. Many individuals have played a pivotal role in helping us reach this important milestone, so this is definitely an event we are looking forward to as we welcome our community to visit us.”

The open house is being hosted by the GLPC Board of Commissioners, which include Melancon, Jr. (President, Seat G), Kris Callais (Vice President, Seat I), Harris “Chuckie” Cheramie, Jr. (Secretary, Seat A), Rodney J. Gisclair, Jr. (Treasurer, Seat D), Jimmy “T-Jim” Lafont (Board Member, Seat C),Charles “Mike” Callais (Board Member, Seat H), Reggie Ledet (Board Member, Seat E), Thomas “Tom” Pitre III (Board Member, Seat B), and Chad Callais (Board Member, Seat F).

The Greater Lafourche Port Commission, a political subdivision of the state of Louisiana, facilitates the economic growth of the communities in which it operates by maximizing the flow of trade and commerce. We do this to grow our economy and preserve our environment and heritage. The Port Commission exercises jurisdiction over the Tenth Ward of Lafourche Parish, south of the Intracoastal Waterway, including Port Fourchon and the South Lafourche Leonard Miller, Jr. Airport (GAO).

GLPC Elects Board Officers

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 19:15:22 GMT

CUT OFF, LA - At the February 12, 2025 board meeting, the Greater Lafourche Port Commission (GLPC) board elected its officers. The board elected John “T-John” Melancon, Jr. as President, Kris Callais as Vice President, Harris “Chuckie” Cheramie, Jr. as Secretary, and Rodney Gisclair, Sr. as Treasurer.

New Port Commission President John Melancon said, “I appreciate the confidence that my fellow commissioners have in my ability to represent Port Fourchon and the South Lafourche Airport. I look forward to the opportunity to serve as board president and continue to guide our port and airport in a positive direction along with my fellow commissioners.”

Port commissioners are elected for six-year terms by the citizens of the 10th Ward of Lafourche Parish. The executive board’s officers are nominated and elected by the board of commissioners every three years.

The board, which has jurisdiction over Port Fourchon and the South Lafourche Airport, is the only elected port commission in the state.

The next scheduled meeting for the GLPC board will be on Wednesday, February 26, when they hold their committee meetings at 10:30 a.m. at the Administration Office in Cut Off, 16829 East Main Street.

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GLPC Board Begins New Term as Calendar Turns to 2025

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 16:16:33 GMT

CUT OFF, LA - At this morning’s Greater Lafourche Port Commission (GLPC) board meeting, the newly elected and incumbent members were sworn in for the 2025-2030 term by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.

The nine-member board, which serves the 10 ^th Ward of Lafourche Parish, includes Harris “Chuckie” Cheramie Jr., Seat A; Thomas “Tom” Pitre, III, Seat B; Jimmy “T-Jim” Lafont, Seat C; Rodney Gisclair, Seat D; Reggie Ledet, Seat E; Chad Callais, Seat F; John “T John” Melancon Jr., Seat G; Charles “Mike” Callais, Seat H; and Kris Callais, Seat I.

Chad Callais won his election to gain a seat on the commission. Cheramie Jr., Rodney Gisclair, Melancon Jr., Mike Callais, Lafont, Kris Callais, Pitre, and Ledet were elected without opposition.

“I am excited to welcome the 2025-2030 board,” GLPC Executive Director Chett Chiasson said. “Our port commission features an experienced group of individuals representing many fields of business and industry. I am anxious to work with all our commissioners because I know they have a true desire to make thoughtful decisions that benefit our port, airport, and community in a positive way. It is a great honor to work for them and our community.”

The board, which has jurisdiction over Port Fourchon and the South Lafourche Airport, is the only elected port commission in the state.

Cheramie, Jr., who has served as a commissioner for a total of 24 years and board president the past six years, said he welcomes what awaits him and his fellow board members.

“The great people of the 10 ^th Ward of Lafourche elected us to this commission because we live here and want to work hard on their behalf. While our port and airport continue to grow, that doesn’t mean we are satisfied. We have many exciting projects planned in the upcoming years that will require due diligence, but in the end, they will benefit all of us. To sit on a board that is involved in these important decisions is an honor and privilege for all of us.”

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Chiasson Tabbed as AAPA Chairman of the Board

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 16:16:33 GMT

BOSTON, MA - Longtime Greater Lafourche Port Commission (GLPC) Executive Director Chett Chiasson will serve as the newest American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) Chairman of the Board.

The announcement was made during the opening ceremonies of the 113th AAPA Annual Convention in Boston on Tuesday.

In his role, Chiasson and the board he chairs will represent more than 130 public port authorities in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

Chiasson, who served previously on the AAPA Board of Directors and was most recently the Vice-Chair, said it’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of those who came before him, like outgoing Chair Paul Anderson.

Anderson is the President and CEO of Port Tampa Bay.

“Having the opportunity to be involved with such an amazing and talented group of port leaders is humbling to say the least,” Chiasson said. “Individuals like Paul and others involved in AAPA are held in high regard, and for good reason, as they play an active role in shaping maritime policy that keeps our port community vibrant and on solid footing each and every day.”

During his acceptance speech after being formally elected by his board colleagues and the organization’s general membership, Chiasson said, “Our individual stories might differ, but our stories also have a lot of overlap. I intend to continue to be part of and help enhance what AAPA is doing to tell our stories as a national industry to Capitol Hill, the Administration, and anyone who will listen.”

Chiasson has been with GLPC for nineteen years, having been the director since 2010.

Under the oversight of a nine-member elected Board of Commissioners, Chiasson, along with this board, have played a leadership role in working to protect Port Fourchon and Louisiana’s surrounding coast while also stressing the importance of servicing the ever-expanding energy industry for local, state, and national economies and U.S. energy security.

“I want to express my sincerest gratitude to my own board for their guidance and faith in me,” Chiasson said. “They truly are an asset to their community and are the driving force behind all the amazing things we do in Port Fourchon day in and day out.”

Chiasson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration degree, both from LSU, and was honored as the LSU Public Administration Institute’s 2015 Distinguished MPA Alumnus.

Chiasson’s two-year term as AAPA Chairman of the Board will commence immediately.

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Ted Savoie Appointed to Port Commission Seat F

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 16:16:32 GMT

CUT OFF, LA - At its monthly board meeting on August 14, Ted Savoie was sworn into office as an interim port commissioner for the Greater Lafourche Port Commission. Savoie takes his place at Seat F, which was left vacant by long-time Commissioner Larry Griffin. Griffin unfortunately passed away last month after serving on the board for 32 years.

Until the scheduled election is held in November to permanently fill the seat starting in January, Mr. Savoie will remain in the seat. Savoie is uniquely qualified to serve as a board appointee, as he has answered the board’s call to serve previously as an interim commissioner in 2015 and 2022.

GLPC Board President Chuckie Cheramie said he was happy to again work beside Commissioner Ted Savoie to continue the board’s important work for Port Fourchon, the South Lafourche Airport, and the South Lafourche community.

Port Commissioners are elected to six-year terms and serve the community of the Tenth Ward of Lafourche Parish at large. The Tenth Ward is comprised of the area of Lafourche Parish south of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway to the Gulf of Mexico.

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Argent LNG Announces Long-Term Lease Agreement with Greater Lafourche Port Commission for Development of up to 20 MTPA Facility at Port Fourchon

leighg@portfourchon.com (Leigh Guidry) — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 19:31:35 GMT

PORT FOURCHON, LA - Argent LNG is pleased to announce the signing of a long-term lease agreement with the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, securing 144 acres of prime land at Port Fourchon. This strategic agreement paves the way for the development of a state-of-the-art liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility with a projected capacity of up to 20 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) pending a waterway suitability assessment and overall Federal approval.

Port Fourchon, known for its strategic location and robust infrastructure, will serve as the ideal site for Argent LNG's ambitious project. The 144-acre lease agreement underscores Argent LNG's commitment to advancing the LNG industry and supporting global energy demands with a focus on sustainability and efficiency.

Key Highlights:

Strategic Location: Port Fourchon is a critical hub for the energy industry, offering unparalleled access to global markets and established infrastructure, making it the perfect location for Argent LNG's development.
State-of-the-Art Facility: Upon receiving Federal approval, the planned up to 20 MTPA LNG facility will incorporate the latest in liquefaction technology, ensuring high efficiency and low carbon intensity, aligning with global efforts towards cleaner energy solutions.
Economic Impact: The development of this facility is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region, including job creation and increased local investment, further cementing Port Fourchon's role as a vital energy hub.

Quotes:

Jonathan Bass, CEO of Argent LNG: "We are thrilled to partner with the Greater Lafourche Port Commission to develop our LNG facility at Port Fourchon. This lease agreement marks a significant milestone in our journey to provide reliable and sustainable energy solutions. We are committed to leveraging the unique advantages of this location to meet the growing global demand for LNG."

Chett Chiasson, Executive Director of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission: "We are excited to welcome Argent LNG to Port Fourchon. This project aligns with our mission to support and enhance the energy industry while bringing economic growth to our community. We look forward to a successful partnership and the positive impact this development will have on our region."

About Argent LNG: Argent LNG is a forward-thinking energy company focused on the production and distribution of liquefied natural gas (LNG). With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Argent LNG aims to meet the world's growing energy needs while reducing environmental impact.

About Greater Lafourche Port Commission: The Greater Lafourche Port Commission is dedicated to the economic development of Port Fourchon and the surrounding region. The Commission strives to provide exceptional service and infrastructure to support the needs of the energy industry and enhance the local economy and environment.

For more information, please visit www.argentlng.com .

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South Lafourche Leonard J. Miller, Jr. Airport Receives Substantial Grant Award to Assist in Construction of New Terminal Building

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 19:35:59 GMT

CUT OFF, LA - The Greater Lafourche Port Commission is pleased to announce it was a recipient of $1.5 million in funds under the Federal Aviation Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Airport Terminals Program (ATP).

While the total allocation for the program was large, the amount dedicated to small hubs like the South Lafourche Leonard J. Miller, Jr. Airport only accounted for 20-percent of the available funds.

In other words, the process for determining grant recipients was highly competitive.

“We are beyond thrilled to receive this news,” GLPC Executive Director Chett Chiasson said. “The construction of a new state-of-the-art terminal building is of the utmost importance as we move forward and embrace the many opportunities we have currently and are positioned for at this very moment. We certainly want to thank Secretary Pete Buttigieg and our congressional delegation for their support of this worthwhile project.”

The new state-of-the-art 6,000 square-foot terminal facility will allow for an upgraded passenger experience and continue to build on the airport’s recent progress that includes a completed resurfaced road, the construction of an airport bridge and connector road, and a Louisiana Economic Development site-certification project to make 343 acres of port-owned undeveloped property developable.

Chiasson said he believes this progress when combined with the 25,000-plus annual operations and the state of Louisiana’s study that highlighted the $98 million yearly economic impact the airport had on the region factored in to making the general aviation hub stand out.

“The work of our tenants and users is what makes this airport thrive,” he said. “Making these sorts of investments through the use of agency, federal, and state funds is key to boosting resilience and economic vitality in Lafourche Parish. Led by our Board of Commissioners this is a task we take seriously and take an unyielding approach towards pursuing.”

Learn more about how these historic investments are benefiting airports in communities big and small at www.faa.gov/bil/airport-terminals .

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Fourchon First: Lafourche Parish Port to Feature State's Inaugural Wind Turbine

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 19:43:00 GMT

CUT OFF, LA - Gulf Wind Technology approved a lease agreement at the Greater Lafourche Port Commission’s (GLPC) December board meeting that will make Port Fourchon the first location in Louisiana to have an actual wind turbine.

The wind turbine and its components are currently journeying across the Atlantic to the U.S. Upon their arrival, the process to reassemble this turbine will commence shortly thereafter.

The significance of this announcement can’t be understated, according to GLPC Executive Director Chett Chiasson.

“It has always been our desire to become a hub for offshore wind just as we are for deepwater offshore oil and gas activity in the Gulf of Mexico. This wind turbine will serve a crucial role in allowing us to do just that,” Chiasson said.

The turbine, which measures 187 feet tall, will be located at the Port Fourchon Coastal Wetlands Park.

James Martin, President and CEO of Gulf Wind Technology, which is leading the project, said the turbine will collect data while also producing the potential to use its offtake energy to power the GLPC’s nearby emergency operations building as well as some basic infrastructure being planned for the Coastal Wetlands Park through an LWCF (Land and Water Conservation Fund) grant award.

In addition, it is a unique platform for the upskilling and training of regional businesses and workforce in the areas of wind farm installation, operation, and maintenance. The turbine will also be an important vehicle for Gulf Wind Technology to collaborate with STEM, colleges, universities, and national laboratories in demonstrating innovative American technologies designed specifically for the Gulf of Mexico.

“This project is a key enabler for the region to power its future by harnessing the wind. This turbine will demonstrate everything needed to deploy wind energy projects in the region, which is an important stepping stone to enable more technical and economic developments in the future,” Martin said.

The construction, commissioning, and testing of the wind turbine will be approached in a process driven, best-practice way, with the goal of targeting 100% local execution of the project. It is planned to be operational in the latter half of 2024.

“These types of projects wouldn’t be possible if not for the full support of our Board of Commissioners, who are always looking at ways to further opportunities for our region and its people,” Chiasson said. “This project will employ a local workforce and will establish a precedent through the data collected to help facilitate future opportunities that will look to bring more jobs and economic development to Port Fourchon and Lafourche Parish.”

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Port Fourchon’s Harbor Police Department Announces Plans for “Click It or Ticket” Campaign

Mon, 22 May 2023 16:08:27 GMT

CUT OFF, LA - The Port Fourchon Harbor Police Department is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the Click It or Ticket enforcement effort starting on May 22.

Click It or Ticket is a high-visibility enforcement effort conducted each year to promote seatbelt use and raise awareness about why seatbelts are so important.

This year’s Click It or Ticket campaign will run through June 4. During the campaign, law enforcement will be cracking down to enforce seatbelt laws.

“Everyone is painfully aware of the number of fatal crashes we have seen in the recent past in Lafourche Parish. We may be able to prevent some of these outcomes if everyone gets into the habit of using their seatbelts every time they get in the vehicle,” said Chief Mike Kinler. “Unfortunately, many families are suffering because their loved ones failed to do something as simple as buckling up.”

Across the U.S. in 2020, the NHTSA says 10,893 unbuckled vehicle occupants died in crashes. Also in 2020, 58% of vehicle occupants killed at night were not wearing seatbelts, which is one reason why Click It or Ticket involves heavier nighttime enforcement as well.

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Fourchon Island Development Advances with Execution of Multi-Party Agreement

Thu, 11 May 2023 16:12:07 GMT

CUT OFF, LA - The Greater Lafourche Port Commission (GLPC) has recently come to terms on a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) with C-Logistics, a company within the Edison Chouest Offshore family of affiliated companies, Bollinger Fourchon, and Grand Isle Shipyards.

This CEA will pave the way for the development of a comprehensive multi-purpose heavy industry facility that will include, but not be limited to, deepwater rig, drillship and heavy lift installation vessel repair and refurbishment, wind farm fabrication, assembly and repair, general heavy industry fabrication, project cargo and logistics, and decommissioning, all supported at Fourchon Island.

“This is a game changer for the U.S. Gulf of Mexico,” GLPC Executive Director Chett Chiasson said. “Currently, there is some limited rig repair and refurbishment done in the United States, but companies generally must transit long distances for this capability that’s conducted at heavy equipment yards located outside of the United States. With more repair, refurbishment, and decommissioning coming online, the planned facility on Fourchon Island will enable the U.S. to capture this work.”

Chiasson further stated that, “With Port Fourchon already playing a critical role in the support and logistics of deepwater Gulf of Mexico activities, the Fourchon Island development will provide a central location for servicing deep draft vessels, the final assembly and load out for offshore wind farm facilities, and the decommission of existing and future offshore facilities. The potential for the state of Louisiana and the country cannot be overstated.”

The CEA demonstrates a commitment by the key tenant organizations to work toward maximizing the full potential of Fourchon Island in the coming years to perform various functions related to rig repair, refurbishment, and decommissioning, while simultaneously exploring and facilitating the burgeoning offshore wind potential in the Gulf of Mexico.

Plans are well underway to build a bridge and connector road at the end of A.O. Rappelet Road (LA Hwy 3090), which will connect Port Fourchon with the 1,000-plus acre site where these various activities will one day happen.

According to Chiasson, this historic agreement provides the GLPC with more ability to apply for additional funds to aid in the process of helping Fourchon Island reach its full potential.

“We have aggressively pursued dollars to build the bridge and connector road, and that project is on track to begin construction in the near future,” he said. “However, the complete development of Fourchon Island requires partnerships such as this to be successful. The commitment shown by these tenants will be the key to unlocking the growth of Port Fourchon moving forward.”

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Latest Updates

leighg@portfourchon.com (Leigh Guidry) — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 16:15:26 GMT

SIGN UP FOR UPDATES FROM THE PORT COMMISSION:

You can sign up to receive a variety of email updates and notices from the Greater Lafourche Port Commission using the NOTIFY ME feature at the top of this website.

GLPC WEATHER UPDATES:

Visit the Port Commission’s WEATHER & STORM INFO webpage for weather updates, current storm information, and helpful storm prep information and resources.

FLOODGATE & LOCK UPDATES:

You can get information on local floodgates, locks, and levees on the South Lafourche Levee District website at www.slld.org , on Facebook (search South Lafourche Levee District) and Twitter, by calling the on-call personnel listed on their floodgate notifications, or by calling the South Lafourche Levee District office at (985) 632-7554.

You can sign up to receive Bayou, Floodgate, and Lock Notices from the South Lafourche Levee District using the NOTIFY ME feature at the top of this website.

Reggie Ledet Sworn in As Seat E Commissioner

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 16:22:14 GMT

CUT OFF, LA - Newly elected Port Commissioner Reggie Ledet was sworn into office by Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court Annette Fontana at a formal ceremony today, April 12, 2023, officially taking his place at Seat E during the Greater Lafourche Port Commission’s monthly board meeting.

Ledet was chosen by voters of the 10th Ward of Lafourche Parish at a special election on March 25, 2023. Seat E was previously held by Ted Savoie, who was appointed by the board to serve in an interim capacity in September 2022.

As manager of a shorebase facility in Port Fourchon, Commissioner Ledet is quite familiar with the Port Commission’s day-to-day business and has a strong knowledge base to begin his work with the GLPC board. He is a resident of the 10th Ward whose background includes 31 years in the energy industry.

“I look forward to working with the other commissioners to bring even more jobs and benefits to this place we love to call home,” Ledet has said.

Executive Director Chett Chiasson has worked with Commissioner Ledet many times on port business and knows his years of experience will serve him well in his new position.

“We welcome Reggie into the Greater Lafourche Port Commission family, and we are just as excited as he is to work together and make our port, airport, and community even more successful into the future,” said Chiasson.

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Historic Purchase Agreement to Benefit Port Fourchon and Community at Large

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 16:25:32 GMT

Photo: GLPC Board President Chuckie Cheramie (center right) is joined by Tom Durel, President of Caillouet Land (center left), Jim Caillouet (left), and GLPC Executive Director Chett Chiasson (right) for the official purchase agreement signing.

CUT OFF, LA - The Greater Lafourche Port Commission, Caillouet Land, LLC, and the Caillouet family announced today they have entered into a purchase agreement which will result in the Port Commission purchasing over 850 acres of land south of Leeville, most notably including all Caillouet-owned industrial property in Port Fourchon.

According to GLPC Executive Director Chett Chiasson, the $36.7 million purchase will bring an immediate $1.4 million annual net benefit when considering yearly rent savings and new rent collections.

“More than anything else, on behalf of the Commissioners and myself, I want to thank the Caillouet family for being so supportive of Port Fourchon through the years,” Chiasson said. “Both parties gave this agreement great thought, and we mutually felt this was the best way forward for Port Fourchon as we embark on an ambitious future of growth and tremendous promise.”

GLPC Board President Chuckie Cheramie added, “This is a great day for the port and this area in general. This will truly be a beneficial deal that will have a positive impact on our area starting today and for many years to come.”

The purchase will include unrestricted access to Fourchon Island, paving the way for construction of a new Fourchon Bridge, and will leave the Port Commission as the exclusive manager of all industrial property situated within Port Fourchon.

The new Fourchon Bridge will connect Port Fourchon with the nearly 1000-acre Fourchon Island project, which will provide more expansive industrial access to the Gulf of Mexico, increasing harbor depths to accommodate larger vessels, rigs, platforms, and a burgeoning offshore wind energy marketplace.

“Due to the financial discipline and keen insight of our Board of Commissioners, the stage was set for this moment in time,” Chiasson said. “We have continued to budget conservatively each year, putting us in the financial position to make this investment in our community. This practice has allowed us to weather difficult times. In addition to accommodating requests for short-term rental adjustments in order to maintain the services offered by our tenants, we have been able to strategically leverage our funds into better grant-matching opportunities and, ultimately, this significant land acquisition which benefits Port Fourchon and our entire region.”

The land being purchased has been owned by the Caillouet Family since 1895. In 1962, the family donated about seven acres of land to improve navigation in Bayou Lafourche. A year later, an additional 160 acres was donated by the family to enable the creation of Port Fourchon.

The sale, which is expected to close within the next several months, will leave the Caillouet family with about 165 acres in the vicinity of Fourchon Beach that are intended to be donated to the State of Louisiana for the creation of a state park. With the construction of the new Fourchon Bridge, the park will provide open space and recreational areas for public enjoyment. The funding mechanism and land acceptance for the proposed Caillouet-Fourchon State Park will be put before the Louisiana Legislature for consideration in its upcoming session, and the parties anticipate finalizing the donation later this year.

“The generosity of the Caillouet family’s planned donation of this land to potentially create Louisiana’s 22nd state park will provide people with additional options for exploring our Louisiana coastline. While the planning process is still underway, this area could prove beneficial to families looking for a fishing excursion or just simply a beautiful place to camp along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.

Tom Durel, President of Caillouet Land added, “Through these actions the Caillouet Family expresses appreciation to the men and women of lower Lafourche who over the years have helped preserve and make Fourchon into the major economic enterprise it is. The Caillouet-Fourchon State Park will celebrate their side-by-side achievements of conservation and industry."

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Thomas Pitre III Sworn in as Seat B Commissioner

leighg@portfourchon.com (Leigh Guidry) — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 16:31:25 GMT

Photo: Newly elected Port Commissioner Tom Pitre (center), his wife Hope by his side, is sworn in by Lafourche District Attorney Kristine Russell (left).

(Cut Off, LA) – Newly elected Port Commissioner Thomas “Tom” Pitre III was formally sworn into office by Lafourche Parish District Attorney Kristine Russell today, February 8, 2023, officially taking his place at Seat B during the Greater Lafourche Port Commission’s monthly board meeting.

Commissioner Pitre was the only candidate to qualify for Seat B, winning unopposed in advance of the March 25, 2023, special election. Pitre was previously appointed to Seat B to fill the spot that had been held by Johnny Ordonne.

Board President Chuckie Cheramie welcomed the board’s newest elected member, saying, “We are more than happy to have you on board.”

Executive Director Chett Chiasson added, “We congratulate Tom and look forward to working with him into the future as he moves from being an appointee to an elected port commissioner.”

Tom Pitre is a well-known business leader in the community, running family business Tom’s Service Station in Golden Meadow. He and his wife Hope have three children and seven grandchildren.

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Crowley Takes Key Step Toward Becoming One of Port Fourchon’s Newest Tenants

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 16:28:23 GMT

CUT OFF, LA - Crowley has reached a Right of First Refusal agreement to potentially lease and develop an offshore wind terminal during Wednesday’s Greater Lafourche Port Commission (GLPC) Board Meeting in Cut Off, LA.

The more than 40-acre site, encompassing over 2,200 linear feet of prime waterfront property, is expected to become the home of a purpose-driven offshore wind facility in the coming years. Located on Slip C adjacent to Flotation Canal, the site is primed to help service the burgeoning offshore wind marketplace in the Gulf of Mexico.

Crowley, a leading maritime, logistics and energy solutions company based in Jacksonville, Fla., has more than 130 years of experience providing ports, maritime and engineering solutions, including in the Gulf of Mexico markets. Through Crowley Wind Services, the company has begun development and planning for wind services terminals in Massachusetts and California, leveraging its land and sea assets, offshore operations expertise, third-party logistics capability, digital platforms and workforce development and training initiatives.

“We are thrilled to take the next step to welcome Crowley to Port Fourchon and our amazing slate of tenants and users,” GLPC Executive Director Chett Chiasson said. “Crowley’s forward-thinking vision aligns perfectly with our goals at the GLPC to further our role as a leading service supply port for all forms of energy, including wind.”

“We look forward to working with the Port Commission to consider the next steps in serving the wind energy needs and goals of Port Fourchon and its communities,” said Bob Karl, senior vice president and general manager, Crowley Wind Services. “The port is strategically located to serve as a hub for the supply chain and transportation required to create clean, renewable wind energy. We are committed to a process that is collaborative to create a sustainable energy solution.”

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