Transportation (Ports)

signed · Louisiana · House May 22, 2026

HB 1232: PORTS/HARBORS/TERMINALS: Provides relative to waterway projects

This bill updates Louisiana's laws to create a structured Waterway Assistance Program that helps local governments fund projects for dredging and deepening state waterways. It establishes a quarterly application process where parishes, municipalities, and port authorities can submit project requests to a specific office for review. A joint committee will evaluate these applications, hold public hearings, and create a prioritized list of projects based on available funding before the legislature appropriates money. The bill also creates a dedicated state fund to support these projects and clarifies that local authorities remain responsible for preparing project plans and managing construction.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill funds waterway dredging and deepening projects, directly enhancing transportation infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Ports

passed both · Louisiana · Senate May 20, 2026

SCR 6: PORTS/HARBORS/TERMINALS: Expresses support for the development, construction, and long-term operation of a liquid natural gas facility at the Greater Lafourche Port Commission's Port Fourchon.

This bill is a concurrent resolution that expresses the Louisiana Legislature's full support for building and operating a liquid natural gas export facility at Port Fourchon. It directly affects the Greater Lafourche Port Commission, local businesses, and workers involved in the project, which is currently seeking federal permits. The resolution highlights the project's potential to create thousands of jobs, generate billions in economic activity, and prioritize Louisiana-based manufacturing and employment. It also notes the project's alignment with state economic goals and a policy of exporting energy to nations with shared democratic values.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill expresses legislative support for LNG facility development, promoting energy infrastructure and economic activity in the energy sector.85% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill supports LNG export facility which typically increases fossil fuel extraction and emissions, potentially weakening environmental protections and increasing pollution.75% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expresses support for LNG facility development which is projected to create thousands of jobs and generate economic activity, indicating positive impact on employment.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly supports development of LNG facility at port, advancing transportation infrastructure and economic activity related to ports and logistics.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Ports

Track

passed both · Louisiana · House Jun 5, 2026

HCR 32: PORTS/NEW ORLEANS: Urges and requests the Port of New Orleans to secure additional backup motors for the St. Claude Avenue Bridge

This bill is a concurrent resolution that asks the Port of New Orleans to purchase extra backup motors for the St. Claude Avenue Bridge. The measure addresses past problems where burned-out motors caused extended bridge closures, which have led to traffic jams and disrupted travel between Orleans and Saint Bernard parishes. By securing spare parts, the Port would be able to replace failed equipment more quickly and restore bridge operations without long delays. The resolution does not mandate any action but formally urges the Port to take steps to improve the bridge's reliability and reduce traffic disruptions for residents and commuters.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill requests additional backup motors for a bridge to prevent closures and improve traffic flow, directly supporting transportation infrastructure reliability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Ports

Track

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 8, 2026

HB 1081: PORTS/HARBORS/TERMINALS: Provides for the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

This bill reorganizes the Louisiana Ports and Waterways Investment Commission by moving it from the governor's office to the new Office of Multimodal Commerce within the Department of Transportation and Development. The commission will continue to represent the public interest in port administration, advise the office on port operations, and submit reports and recommendations as needed. Funding for the commission's strategic plan and investment program will require agreement between the Office of Multimodal Commerce and the state legislature. These changes affect the administrative structure of Louisiana's port management without altering the commission's core responsibilities or the ports it serves.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill reorganizes port commission under Department of Transportation, enhancing multimodal commerce and port administration within transportation infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Ports

in committee · Louisiana · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 647: PORTS/HARBORS/TERMINALS: Provides for application submission timelines for waterway projects

HB 647 amends Louisiana law to require governmental entities (such as ports, municipalities, or state agencies) seeking funding for waterway projects to submit applications on specific semi-annual dates: March 1, June 1, September 1, and December 1 each year. This replaces prior submission timing with fixed deadlines for funding consideration in the following fiscal year. The bill specifies that applications must include required information and comply with additional statutes (R.S. 39:101-128), directly affecting entities managing waterway infrastructure projects. The change streamlines the submission process but does not alter project eligibility or funding amounts.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires fixed application deadlines for waterway project funding, facilitating infrastructure development under transportation policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Ports

Track

signed · Louisiana · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 776: PORTS/HARBORS/TERMINALS: Modifies the Port Construction and Development Priority Program (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX)

HB 776 updates Louisiana's Port Construction and Development Priority Program. It requires port authorities to provide local matching funds (10% for standard projects, 20% for large, 30% for very large) before state funds from the Transportation Trust Fund can be used. The bill also modifies how the department contracts with entities like LSU's Ports Institute for project evaluation and mandates quarterly public hearings for project prioritization. Projects not funded in one year retain their priority and carry forward to the next fiscal year, with the legislature prohibited from adding new projects to the approved list.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRequires local matching funds (10-30%) before state funds from Transportation Trust Fund are used, promoting fiscal responsibility in port project funding.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires local matching funds before state transportation funds are released, ensuring continued investment in port infrastructure through Transportation Trust Fund95% confidence

Sub-Topics Ports

signed · Louisiana · House May 29, 2026

HB 345: RAILROADS: Provides with respect to the Rail Infrastructure Improvement Program (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

HB 345 expands Louisiana's Class II and III Rail Infrastructure Improvement Program to include rail infrastructure projects at ports as eligible for funding. This change directly affects smaller railroads (Class II and III) that operate in or serve Louisiana ports, enabling them to apply for program funds to improve port rail connections. The bill adds a specific provision (R.S. 48:388.1(A)(2)(f)) allowing port rail projects to be included alongside other eligible improvements like track maintenance. These projects must align with Louisiana's Freight Mobility Plan and State Rail Plan to maintain efficient rail service. The program aims to enhance freight transportation efficiency at port facilities through targeted rail infrastructure upgrades.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands state funding eligibility for port rail infrastructure projects, increasing budget allocation for rail infrastructure improvements under existing program.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationExpands rail infrastructure funding to include port projects, directly advancing transportation infrastructure through increased eligibility for funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Freight Ports Rail

signed · Louisiana · House May 27, 2026

HB 655: BRIDGES/FERRIES: Authorizes the Department of Transportation and Development to enter into contracts for the operation and maintenance of ferry systems

HB 655 authorizes Louisiana's Department of Transportation to contract with private companies for building, operating, and maintaining state ferry systems and related facilities. It allows the department to use cost-plus contracts (where costs are reimbursed plus a fee) without following standard procurement rules when the state determines it's beneficial. This change applies to all state-owned ferries and associated infrastructure across Louisiana. The bill aims to provide the department greater flexibility in managing ferry services efficiently.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationAuthorizes DOT to contract private firms for ferry maintenance, enhancing infrastructure management without standard procurement rules, directly supporting transportation infrastructure maintenance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Bridges Ports Roads & Highways