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

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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COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE SET FOR MAY 17TH

May 8, 2025

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

By Thad Angelloz • February 12, 2025

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.

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By Thad Angelloz • January 8, 2025

At the 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.