The Board awarded the $221,983 contract to Harahan, La.-based Durr Heavy Construction LLC to demolish an unused warehouse adjacent to the Napoleon Container Terminal. The overall project, estimated to cost $11.8 million, will add four acres to the terminal’s marshalling yard – including space for container storage and allow improved efficiencies throughout the terminal.
“This project is part of the Port’s ongoing effort to expand and improve container capacity,” said Gary LaGrange, the Port’s President and CEO. “Coupled with the upcoming delivery of two new container gantry cranes, this project will greatly improve the Port’s position to handle increased business at our state-of-the-art terminal.”
The project is supported by $6 million from Louisiana’s Port Development and Construction Priority Program and the rest will be funded by the Port. The second phase of the project, which will be constructing the high-density concrete yard, is expected to begin in November.
In other action, the Board approved a resolution to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Regional Planning Commission to fund the Intermodal Riverfront Center at the Julia Street Cruise Terminal. The project will allow improved access between the Julia Street Cruise Terminal, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Erato Street Cruise Terminal, Riverwalk Marketplace and the John Churchill Chase street car station.
The project, estimated to cost $500,000, will replace a 25-year-old staircase, refurbishing an existing Port building housing elevators and escalators for handicap accessibility, along with other site improvements. A $360,000 Federal Transportation Authority grant will pay for most of the improvements, while the Port will pick up the balance. Architects are currently in the final stages of design and completion is expected to be in the summer of 2011.
