A Message from the Executive Director

Fall 2024

The St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District had a year that reflected a successful journey. Since our inception in 1960, the port has continued to be an economic engine for St. Bernard Parish. Through the hard work of employees and board members, past and present, we continue this journey.

Our buildings and warehouses are leased at 100% capacity, and we have unloaded over 6 million in total cargo tonnage.

Our focus is heavily on the progression of the port. With the help of federal and state grants, the $40 million rehabilitation of the Chalmette Slip will be completed in October 2024. We are working on several new projects; A new 200,000-square-foot finished product warehouse for American Sugar Refinery, a new intersection and entrance to the Arabi Terminal, and a connecting road between Judge Perez Dr. and St. Bernard Hwy to the new Arabi Terminal entrance.

Because of the state’s delegation, (Rep. Michael Bayham Jr, Sen. Joseph Bouie, Jr, and Sen. Robert “Bob” Owen) we were able to secure a $350,000 appropriation in state funds to do the engineering for a new roadway through the Arabi Terminal that will eventually remove the sugar refinery truck traffic off Aycock St. and divert it through the Arabi Terminal.

Community focus is still strong, with our annual Maritime Tour for parish citizens, (a collaboration with Associated Terminals), participation in community events, and more.

The St. Bernard Port participated in various community events around the parish. Events included the Special Olympics, AgMagic on the River, Give a Hoot Trivia Night (Family Violence Program of St. Bernard), St. Bernard Day at the Capitol, the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership St. Bernard, and more. This year we hosted more tour events, including students from the Urban League of Louisiana, Washington Association of Wheat Growers, and interns from Open Waters Louisiana. The port will continue participating in events that benefit the community and sponsoring important local events. In addition to community events, the Board of Commissioners holds monthly meetings that are open to the public.

Drew M. Heaphy 
Executive Director